Yankees, Goldschmidt reach $12.5 million deal, sources say

The Yankees and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt have reached an agreement on a one-year contract worth $12.5 million, sources confirmed to AM850.

The first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees reached an agreement on a one-year contract worth $12.5 million, sources confirmed to AM850, joining the 2022 National League Most Valuable Player and seven-time All-Star with the American League champions in the midst of a major restructuring.

Goldschmidt, 37, has been one of the most consistent hitters of his generation. He combines power and patience, hitting .289/.381/.510 with 362 home runs in a 14-year career. His four Gold Gloves were earned thanks to his prowess at first base, and between his time in Arizona and St. Louis, Goldschmidt was a beloved figure.

In his first foray into free agency, Goldschmidt chose to join a Yankees team that is redoubling its championship efforts after losing star right fielder Juan Sotowho went to the New York Mets. The Yankees began by signing left-hander Max Fried, followed up with trades for closer Devin Williams and outfielder Cody Bellinger, and returned to the free agent market to lengthen their lineup with Goldschmidt.

Additionally, Goldschmidt is expected to help in the locker room, replacing veteran first baseman and leader Anthony Rizzo. Goldschmidt’s career focus was revealed early in his career, when he went from an eighth-round pick out of Texas State to a two-time MVP runner-up with the Diamondbacks and NL MVP with the Cardinals. Goldschmidt followed that season with a solid 2023, but regressed last season, hitting .245/.302/.414 with 22 home runs and 65 RBIs in 154 games.

The deal, which is pending a physical and was first reported by the YES Network, is a bet that a player of Goldschmidt’s caliber can thrive in a Yankees lineup that also includes Bellinger, two-time MVP Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe and rookie Jasson Dominguez.