The New York Yankees are looking to bounce back after falling just short of a World Series title and will be hoping an offseason acquisition returns to form in 2025.
The Bronx Bombers signed first baseman Paul Goldschmidt during the offseason to replace Anthony Rizzo who became a free agent after New York declined his option. Goldschmidt is a former MVP but is coming off of a disappointing end to his St. Louis Cardinals career.
The first baseman boasted a batting average of .245 while hitting 22 dingers and a measly 65 RBI. At 37, it seems like his best days are behind him.
But Brian Murphy of MLB.com thinks otherwise. He noted that Goldschmidt had a strong end to the 2024 campaign and that calling Yankee Stadium home is sure to help him rebound in 2025.
"His barrel rate (10.7%) and hard-hit rate (49.6%) remained stellar, and those rates were at 16.3% and 55.8%, respectively, over his final 30 games of the year," Murphy said. "Each of those percentages ranked inside the top 15 among hitters with at least 100 plate appearances during that span, and Goldschmidt’s .590 xSLG was seventh best. There seems to be plenty of life in his bat as he enters his age-37 season."
But there is also the fact that Goldschmidt won't be relied on in the same way that he was in St. Louis. Especially at the height of his career, the first baseman was expected to provide the majority of the offensive production for the Cardinals.
In New York, Goldschmidt will hit behind the likes of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Jazz Chisholm just to name a few sluggers. Pitchers will not be able to throw around Goldschmidt as they will have larger fishes to fry in the Yankees lineup.
While the pressure of playing for the Yankees can stifle some players, Goldschmidt should feel some relief playing in New York. If he can carry over his performance from the end of the 2024 season, he could help the Yankees get over the hump and finally bring another championship back to the Bronx.
