New York Yankees Secure Paul Goldschmidt on One-Year Deal for 2026 Season
The New York Yankees are finalizing a one-year contract with veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, sources confirmed to ESPN on February 6, 2026. The 38-year-old, who won the National League MVP award in 2022, returns to the Bronx after a productive 2025 campaign where he batted .274 with a .328 on-base percentage, .403 slugging percentage, and 10 home runs.
Goldschmidt's Role in the Yankees' Strategic Lineup Balance
This move is a strategic response to the Yankees' heavily left-handed batting order, which features players like Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Austin Wells, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Ryan McMahon, and Ben Rice. General manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone have consistently emphasized the need for better lineup balance. Goldschmidt excels as a reliable right-handed bat, particularly against left-handed pitching, where he posted impressive 2025 splits of .336/.411/.570.
His presence allows Boone greater flexibility in managing matchups, especially in platoon situations. During the 2025 season, Goldschmidt initially served as the starting first baseman following Juan Soto's departure to the New York Mets. However, by midseason, he transitioned into a platoon role with left-handed hitter Ben Rice, who started more frequently against right-handed pitchers.
Complementing Ben Rice and Enhancing Team Depth
While Rice outperformed Goldschmidt overall in 2025, batting .255/.337/.499 with 26 home runs across 530 plate appearances, his struggles against left-handed pitching were notable. Rice hit only .208 with a .271 on-base percentage and seven home runs in 119 plate appearances against lefties. Goldschmidt's proficiency in these situations enables the Yankees to limit Rice's exposure to left-handed pitchers while maximizing his production against right-handers.
Beyond platoon duties, Goldschmidt provides valuable depth at designated hitter when Giancarlo Stanton requires rest and can fill in at first base when Rice is catching alongside Wells. Defensively, Goldschmidt recorded minus-3 Outs Above Average in 2025, but his extensive experience remains an asset in a limited role.
Leadership and Clubhouse Impact
Manager Aaron Boone and several Yankees players praised Goldschmidt throughout the 2025 season for his professionalism, leadership, and positive clubhouse presence. He served as a mentor to Ben Rice, who was adjusting to first base during his second full major-league season after being drafted as a catcher. Goldschmidt's influence extends beyond the field, as he made the U.S. World Baseball Classic roster for the third time and continues to command respect across the league.
Goldschmidt's Decision to Return to New York
Goldschmidt chose to return to the Yankees despite receiving a more lucrative offer from another team. At 38, he may no longer perform at the elite level of his 2022 MVP season, but the one-year deal allows New York to retain a veteran right-handed hitter in a platoon-friendly role without a long-term commitment. This signing underscores the Yankees' focus on strategic roster construction as they aim for postseason success.
