Yankees, Paul Goldschmidt

AL-East division champions, the New York Yankees, are enjoying a few days of rest before ALDS begins on October 5. While the team’s immediate goal is making a deep playoff run and aiming for the World Series, the front office must already be thinking about free agency.

With Juan Soto entering free agency to Gerrit Cole and Antony Rizzo being eligible for opt out, the New York Yankees have tons of decisions to make. Amid this, St.Louis Cardinals veteran first baseman is set to part ways with the team after six years and as per Heavy.com’s Matt Musico, the Bombers could be an ideal fit.

Paul Goldschmidt To Enter Free Agency After Six Years With Cardinals

Yankees, Paul Goldschmidtmlbplayers.com
The 2024 MLB regular season has just ended for the St. Louis Cardinals. But rumors and speculation regarding the team’s offseason decisions are already swirling. One of the biggest questions surrounding the Cardinals is whether they will bring back veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Despite Paul being an integral part of the Cardinals for six years, reports suggest that the team does not plan to re-sign Goldschmidt, potentially marking the end of his time in St. Louis. If the Cardinals decide not to retain the 37-year-old, he will enter the free-agent market, sparking a potential sweepstakes among teams looking for a reliable, experienced first baseman. Despite not having his best season in 2024, Goldschmidt remained an above-average player in his position.

One team that has already been linked to Goldschmidt is the New York Yankees. Heavy.com’s Matt Musico mentioned the Yankees as a potential landing spot, noting that the Bronx Bombers are preparing for both the postseason and upcoming free-agent decisions. The Yankees recently wrapped up a successful 94-68 regular season, clinching the American League East title. However, they face uncertainty at first base heading into the 2025 season. Veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo has a $17 million club option for 2025. But the Yanks may decide not to exercise it. If they let Rizzo walk, the team will need to find a replacement at first base, and Goldschmidt could be an ideal fit. Musico points out that if the Bombers plan to re-sign Juan Soto to a massive contract, adding Goldschmidt could help the team manage its payroll while still securing a player with a proven track record.

Yankees Anthony Rizzo Doubtful For Playoffs With Finger Injury

Yankees, Anthony RizzoUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
To further weaken his extension case, New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo has gotten injured for the second time this year. After recovering from an arm fracture, Rizzo fractured two fingers after getting hit by a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates last weekend.

He has been placed on 15-day IL with ALDS appearance ruled out. However, manager Aaron Boone anticipates Rizzo to be available for the ALCS, given the Yankees qualify. With Rizzo sidelined, the Yanks will likely rely on other options at first base, such as Ben Rice, as they aim to make a deep playoff run. His absence could be a significant blow to their lineup.