The New York Yankees are essentially running back their 2025 roster. Another part of that team could be on the way back to the Bronx.
During Tuesday’s episode of Yankees Hot Stove, YES Network’s Jack Curry reported that the Yankees have had discussions with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt about a return to the Bronx. However, the Yankees are looking at Goldschmidt, 38, as a platoon player to pair with Ben Rice at first.
Goldschmidt had a middling season with the Yankees in 2025. He posted a .274/.328/.403 batting line in his 534 plate appearances, hitting 10 homers and 31 doubles. However, Goldschmidt still hit left-handed pitching well, posting a .336/.411/.570 batting line with seven homers and 14 doubles in 168 plate appearances against southpaws.
Paul Goldschmidt would help balance lefty-heavy Yankees lineup
As it currently stands, the Yankees are projected to have only three right-handed hitters — outfielder Aaron Judge, designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton and shortstop Jose Caballero — in the lineup. General manager Brian Cashman previously acknowledged that is a potential issue for the Yankees, but he also stated that the Yankees would not make a trade for a right-handed hitter if a better left-handed option is already on the roster.
Goldschmidt would help alleviate some of that problem. He would be an ideal platoon option alongside Rice while giving the Yankees a solid option as a pinch hitter. Having Goldschmidt on the roster could also allow Rice to spend some time behind the plate, especially if Austin Wells is unable to get back on track offensively.
The question is whether or not Goldschmidt would accept a reduced role. He had said that he intends to play in 2026 but there have been few reports of any other interested teams outside of the Diamondbacks. The Yankees and Goldschmidt may be the best options for one another.