GOLDSCHMIDT IS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

 Since Mark Teixeira rode off into the Bronx sunset in 2016, the Yankees have treated first base like a game of musical chairs—with the music off-key and nobody quite sitting comfortably. That's not a slight against Anthony Rizzo, it's just a fact. We all knew what Rizzo was... and he wasn't Paul Goldschmidt. Goldschmidt, a seasoned slugger who may be closer to 40 than 30, but clearly didn’t get the memo that he’s supposed to be slowing down.

At 37, Goldschmidt isn’t just surviving in pinstripes—he’s thriving. Maybe it’s the bright lights of New York. Maybe it’s his decade-and-a-half of experience in the majors. Or maybe he’s just tired of being underrated. Whatever the reason, the guy’s been a consistent force in the Yankees' lineup early this season, toggling between the leadoff and cleanup spots like a veteran DJ spinning hits at Yankee Stadium.

“He’s gotten off to a good start, which never hurts—you always want that,” manager Aaron Boone said.  The numbers don’t lie. Goldschmidt, as always, kept it humble.

“It’s nice to get hits and the team’s been playing well,” he said. “I’ve felt pretty good, but still a long season to go. For me, just try to show up every day and prepare and work hard and have good at-bats and try to help us win. I try to keep it simple, whether I’ve been struggling or having some success, just keep that same mindset. Go out there and play hard and try to win.”

Classic Goldschmidt—more substance than sizzle. But make no mistake, his bat is doing plenty of talking. This resurgence comes on the heels of the worst season of his career, a rare blip for one of the steadiest stars of his generation. But this hot start isn’t just a redemption arc—it’s another chapter in a Hall of Fame resume.

And not to get ahead of myself, but Goldschmidt’s case for Cooperstown is quietly compelling. He’s got the MVP, seven All-Star nods, and a peak performance stretch that stacks up with anyone from his era. His career WAR might fall just shy of the Hall of Fame elite, and I hate talking about WAR, but his impact on the field—both with the bat and as a clubhouse presence—makes him a serious contender for enshrinement.

So, if you’re wondering how the Yankees managed to plug their most glaring positional hole with a guy pushing 40, just look at Paul Goldschmidt. Age is just a number—his batting average, on the other hand, is the one worth watching.