The New York Yankees have taken a calculated gamble by signing veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year contract worth $12.5 million for the 2025 season. Once a standout player crowned the 2022 National League MVP during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, Goldschmidt’s subsequent trajectory saw both highs and lows, raising questions about his ability to deliver consistent results in the high-pressure environment of The Bronx.
At 37, Goldschmidt represents both potential and uncertainty for a Yankees team determined to reconfigure its roster after losing superstar Juan Soto to their cross-town rivals, the Mets, during free agency. As fans and analysts alike scrutinize this signing, the critical question remains: What version of Goldschmidt will the Yankees see in 2025?
On Thursday, Goldschmidt in Yankees mode — clean-shaven to adhere to the Bombers’ grooming policy — answered these concerns with promises of competing for a championship with a team that fell tantalizingly close to reaching the World Series last October. The veteran slugger spoke candidly about his decision to join the storied franchise that was devoid of any allure of financial incentives but his determination to prove he still has championship-caliber baseball left in him.
Goldschmidt a veteran of overcoming challenges
The path leading Goldschmidt to pinstripes tells a story of perseverance and adaptation. Following his stellar 2022 National League MVP season, the veteran encountered significant hurdles in 2023, leading many to question his trajectory. These struggles intensified during the early months of 2024 when his OPS bottomed out at .592 in May. However, demonstrating the resilience that has characterized his career, Goldschmidt engineered a remarkable turnaround through mechanical adjustments and refined batting techniques. His determination paid dividends, resulting in a robust .774 OPS across his final 117 appearances and an even more impressive .842 OPS in the season’s closing stretch.
Goldschmidt had been candid about his early-season performance, acknowledging the need for adjustments when his usual hitting approach wasn’t yielding results. Sources close to the veteran slugger revealed his frustration with struggling against pitches he’d historically mastered. This forthright assessment of his challenges reflects the professional mindset that has characterized his impressive 14-year tenure in the majors.
“I didn’t play well most of the year, and there are no excuses for that,” he said on Thursday’s Zoom interview. “I still felt like, ‘Man, I’m better than this.’ ”
Goldschmidt’s revival materialized during a pivotal late-August series versus San Diego, where he delivered an exceptional 7-for-10 performance including a home run. This breakthrough ignited a sustained period of excellence that carried through to his memorable showing against his future team in New York, where he went 5-for-13.
Though his final season statistics – a .245 average and .716 OPS – represent career lows, his impressive .330 average over the final month demonstrated his ability to overcome adversity and adjust his approach.
Looking ahead to 2025, Goldschmidt projects confidence. “I think I can still play at a really, really high level.” the first baseman promised. “The Yankees always have the expectations. The fans and the ownership and the whole organization, let’s win the World Series. That’s what we want as players. We have high expectations too, so I’m excited about it.”
Ex-MVP pins hope on chemistry with Judge
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The transition to New York is smoothed by Goldschmidt’s existing relationship with Yankees captain Aaron Judge. Their connection, forged during the 2021-22 lockout and strengthened through joint training sessions in Tampa when both held MVP titles, provides a foundation for what could become a formidable offensive partnership.
“I don’t know him extremely well,” Goldschmidt said. “It’s not like we played together, but the year I got the opportunity to meet him, I stayed in touch with him. We got together a few years ago and hit. That’s something I’ve always tried to do, find, great hitters or great players or coaches and just seek them out and try to learn from them. So that was great when him and I were able to meet up for a day, have lunch, hit together.”
Goldschmidt explained that he has always sought opportunities to learn from exceptional players, hitters, or coaches. Reflecting on his meeting with Aaron Judge, he highlighted how it became a valuable chance to practice together, share a meal, and discuss baseball. Goldschmidt expressed admiration for Judge, describing him as one of the best hitters globally and sharing his excitement about working alongside him daily.
Being part of a powerhouse lineup
The 2025 Yankees lineup evokes memories of the legendary Murderers’ Row, featuring an unprecedented collection of MVP talent. Goldschmidt joins a formidable offensive unit that includes Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and recent Cubs acquisition Cody Bellinger. This quartet brings an astounding 1,302 combined home runs to the lineup, with Stanton leading active players at 429 and Goldschmidt holding the third position with 362.
The lineup gains additional depth from emerging talents like Jazz Chisholm, fresh off a 24-homer season, and promising rookie catcher Austin Wells, who contributed 13 home runs. Despite losing Soto and Torres, the Yankees’ offensive potential remains intimidating. “This team’s ceiling is yet to be determined,” Goldschmidt observes. “With our collective talent and elevated expectations, we’re positioned to build on last year’s World Series appearance and achieve something special.”
The promise of durability and performance
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Goldschmidt’s remarkable durability distinguishes him from his predecessor, Anthony Rizzo, who battled persistent injuries. This reliability adds crucial stability to the Yankees’ infield alignment. While Bellinger might eventually transition to first base, Goldschmidt’s immediate focus centers on delivering consistent production throughout 2025.
Advanced analytics suggest that Goldschmidt’s 2024 statistics might have suffered from unfortunate batted-ball luck, with numerous well-struck balls finding defenders. Combined with his refined approach, these indicators point toward a potential resurgence in the upcoming season.
The Yankee standard
Sources within the organization note that Goldschmidt appears well-aware of the pressures and traditions that come with wearing the storied Yankees uniform. In recent discussions with media personnel, the veteran first baseman expressed his understanding of the organization’s championship culture, from the passionate fanbase to the front office’s commitment to excellence. Multiple reports suggest that Goldschmidt and his teammates have fully embraced the elevated expectations that accompany playing for baseball’s most decorated franchise.
“We’ve just got to go out there and do our jobs, but we definitely have the talent,” he explained. “The expectations are high. The team that was in the World Series last year was so close to winning at all and the expectations the franchise has every year, I’m assuming those will be the same expectations and it’s something I’m excited to be part of.”
The Yankees’ aggressive offseason, which also brought in ace Max Fried and elite closer Devin Williams, demonstrates their commitment to addressing the shortcomings that led to their seven-game World Series defeat against the Dodgers.
Building a legacy in pinstripes
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As Goldschmidt enters the latter stages of his distinguished career, his Hall of Fame credentials continue to accumulate. With seven All-Star selections and four Gold Gloves to his name, he has consistently ranked among baseball’s elite performers. While his 2024 numbers fell below his career standards, his strong finish suggests significant potential for continued excellence.
His veteran presence and professional approach will prove invaluable to a Yankees squad determined to reclaim baseball’s summit. Though matching his MVP form might be ambitious, his dedication and work ethic ensure he’ll make meaningful contributions to the team’s championship pursuit.
As spring training approaches, anticipation builds around Goldschmidt’s potential impact in New York. His arrival adds another compelling chapter to the Yankees’ ongoing quest for their 28th World Series title, with the veteran slugger poised to play a crucial role in their championship aspirations.
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