WOULD THE YANKEES TARGET PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT?

The Yankees are no strangers to bold moves and high-risk signings, so it’s no shocker that whispers are swirling about seven-time All-Star and 2022 NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt possibly manning first base in the Bronx come 2025. But before we roll out the red carpet, let’s dig into what this really means—because as Yankees fans, we’ve learned to hope for a parade but prepare for a circus.

Goldschmidt’s résumé is undeniable. His 2022 season was video-game good: .317/.404/.578, 35 home runs, 41 doubles, and 115 RBIs. He was the engine of the Cardinals’ lineup and looked every bit the MVP. But here’s the catch—2022 feels like ancient history in baseball terms. His last two seasons have been… let’s call them “fine,” but not exactly “flashy billboard in Times Square” material. At 37, he’s no spring chicken, and while the Yankees have been known to bet on experience, sometimes those bets age about as well as milk.

Still, the timing isn’t crazy. The Cardinals are reportedly ready to move on from Goldy, opting for a “reset” in 2025. His $130 million contract expires at the end of the season, making him a free agent. For a team like the Yankees, always chasing October glory and occasionally forgetting about November regret, a short-term, cost-effective deal could be appealing. Maybe a one-year, $10 million pact? That’s pocket change for Hal Steinbrenner’s wallet—barely enough to cover the electricity bill for Yankee Stadium’s floodlights.

But let’s be real: is this the guy to solve the Yankees’ first-base problem? If Rizzo hangs up his cleats or opts for a quieter life full of golden retrievers and pasta, Goldschmidt could bring a steady glove and some veteran poise. On the other hand, the Yankees have been burned before by aging stars with shiny pasts. (Hello, 2005 Randy Johnson. Hi, Jacoby Ellsbury. We see you, Carl Pavano.)

And what about his bat? In Yankee Stadium, where lefties thrive with that tantalizing short porch, Goldschmidt’s right-handed swing might not translate into the 30-homer season fans dream of. Could he still drive in runs? Sure. But will he silence the inevitable boos by mid-June if he’s batting .240? Unlikely.

Then there’s the clubhouse factor. Goldschmidt has always been a consummate professional, the type of player who lets his bat do the talking. That kind of steady presence could be valuable in a locker room that sometimes feels like it’s one loss away from a reality TV meltdown. But is he dynamic enough to bring the spark this team needs?

At best, Goldschmidt is a low-cost, high-upside addition—a potential 2025 redemption story who helps the Yankees navigate Soto’s theoretical megadeal without completely blowing up the payroll. At worst, he’s the latest in a long line of former stars who make their farewell tour in pinstripes feel more like a farewell plod.

So, could Goldschmidt be the Yankees’ first baseman in 2025? Absolutely. Should we be cautiously optimistic? Sure. Will we be holding our breath? Only when he’s running out a double. Whatever happens, this is the Yankees we’re talking about—hope for the best, expect the bizarre, and prepare to cheer like crazy either way.