When superstar Juan Soto signed a staggering 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets last December, the New York Yankees were forced to pivot to their offseason plan B. Their solution? A modest one-year, $12.5 million deal with veteran infielder Paul Goldschmidt from the St. Louis Cardinals. What seemed like a gamble on a declining star has turned into one of the most brilliant moves of the season, transforming Goldschmidt into a cornerstone of the Yankees’ lineup and a veritable money-making machine.
Goldschmidt, a seasoned veteran since his 2011 debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks, followed by a successful stint with the Cardinals, was coming off one of the worst seasons of his career. In 2024, his batting average plummeted to .245, with an on-base percentage (OBP) of .302 and a slugging percentage of .214—numbers lower than even his rookie season. For a former National League MVP and seven-time All-Star, these stats signaled a concerning decline, often expected in older players but disappointing nonetheless.
However, in the Bronx, Goldschmidt has undergone a remarkable renaissance. Through 55 games with the Yankees, he’s posted a blistering .347 batting average, a .404 OBP, and a .495 slugging percentage. These numbers not only eclipse his 2024 performance but rank among the best of his career. Beyond his offensive prowess, Goldschmidt has shored up the Yankees’ defense at first base—a position plagued by injuries and inconsistencies for the team. With 327 putouts out of 362 total chances, he’s been a defensive rock, stabilizing the Pinstripes’ infield.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has been effusive in his praise. “Getting to see it up close and personal, it’s been really impressive,” Boone said. “He’s been so consistent. He’s given us that really good, tough, consistent at-bat in any situation. That’s been really good to see here.”
A key factor in Goldschmidt’s resurgence is the Yankees’ robust bullpen and deep lineup, which allow for strategic rest days. With stars like captain Aaron Judge, newcomer Ben Rice, and heavy hitter Trent Grisham, the team can afford to give Goldschmidt more time off than he’s been accustomed to. According to analysis by insider Mike Axisa, Goldschmidt’s performance spikes when he hasn’t played the previous day, whether due to team travel, weather, or intentional rest. This tailored approach has clearly paid dividends.
Goldschmidt himself has embraced this new rhythm. “For most of my career, I was playing every day,” he said in an MLB.com interview. “Coming here, it’s a little bit of a different role. I’ve just tried to embrace that. It was exciting for something new.”
The Yankees’ $12.5 million investment in Goldschmidt has proven to be a masterstroke. His offensive and defensive contributions have not only bolstered the team’s performance but also silenced doubters who questioned whether the 37-year-old could rebound. In a season where the Yankees needed a spark after losing Soto, Goldschmidt has become their unstoppable force, proving that sometimes, plan B can outshine even the flashiest blockbuster deals.