Yankees Named ‘Ideal Landing Spot’ for $130 Million 7-Time All-Star Trade Target
As the New York Yankees surge to first place in the AL East this season, tied for the MLB lead with 12 wins, there’s still room for roster adjustments to ensure a strong playoff run after a disappointing 2023. One area that could use improvement is first base, with Anthony Rizzo starting the year with a .243/.321/.314 slash line in 70 at-bats and a .978 fielding percentage.
In discussing potential upgrades via trade, Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report identified the Yankees as a favorable destination for St. Louis Cardinals’ slugger Paul Goldschmidt, considering him one of MLB’s “top nine trade targets.”
Kelly acknowledges that while the Cardinals may value Goldschmidt’s legacy, they could also recognize the opportunity for him to join a World Series contender, especially given their own uncertain season trajectory. With Goldschmidt approaching 37 in September, a move to a team like the Yankees could offer him a chance at postseason success if the Cardinals’ prospects don’t align with his aspirations.
Paul Goldschmidt Could Be an Upgrade at First Base for the New York Yankees
Goldschmidt finds himself in the final stretch of a lucrative five-year, $130 million contract extension with the Cardinals, lending weight to the notion that his current team may seek to extract trade value from him before he becomes a free agent and potentially signs elsewhere after the 2024 season.
His remarkable track record on the field speaks volumes, suggesting there will be no shortage of suitors if he becomes available around the trade deadline. Over his impressive 14-year career in the majors, Goldschmidt has maintained career averages of .292/.387/.517. He’s been selected for the All-Star Game seven times, clinched five Silver Slugger Awards and four Gold Glove Awards, and notably secured the National League MVP honor in 2022.
While he has started the 2024 season with a slower pace at the plate compared to Rizzo, batting .190/.292/.238 in 63 at-bats so far, his defensive prowess remains impeccable with a flawless 1.000 fielding percentage. Despite being 36 years old, there’s a strong likelihood that he will rediscover his hitting form, given his consistent performance in recent seasons. Just last year, he boasted a solid slash line of .268/.363/.447, and he claimed an MVP title just the year before that.
Paul Goldschmidt Could Be an Upgrade at First Base for the New York Yankees
Goldschmidt finds himself in the final year of a substantial five-year, $130 million contract extension with the Cardinals, fueling speculation that his current team may seek to capitalize on his trade value before he ventures into free agency after the 2024 season.
His illustrious on-field career speaks volumes, indicating considerable interest from potential suitors around the trade deadline if he becomes available. Across 14 seasons in the majors, Goldschmidt boasts impressive career averages of .292/.387/.517. He’s been selected for the All-Star Game seven times, clinched five Silver Slugger Awards and four Gold Glove Awards, and notably secured the National League MVP accolade in 2022.
Although he’s commenced the 2024 season in a slump worse than Rizzo’s, batting .190/.292/.238 in 63 at-bats, his defensive prowess remains stellar with a flawless 1.000 fielding percentage. Even at 36 years old, there’s a strong likelihood he’ll rediscover his batting rhythm, given his track record. Last season, he posted a solid slash line of .268/.363/.447, and just the year prior, he claimed an MVP title.
The New York Yankees Would Likely Face Competition in Trade Negotiations for Paul Goldschmidt
If the Yankees believe Goldschmidt’s offensive prowess could provide a significant boost to their lineup as they push for success this season, acquiring him as a rental before free agency might be an enticing option. They could potentially secure him for a reasonable price, considering he would only be with them for the remainder of the season. Given their status as one of the few high-caliber offensive teams in MLB, they may view him as an upgrade at first base.
Kelly speculates on the potential market for Goldschmidt, noting that several contending teams such as the Braves, Dodgers, and Phillies already have established star first basemen. However, because Goldschmidt could hit free agency after the season, smaller-budget contending teams might also consider pursuing him as a rental.
Nevertheless, if Goldschmidt does become available for trade midseason, the Yankees won’t be the only team vying for his services. Other contenders like the Rangers with Jared Walsh and the Twins with Carlos Santana also have veteran options at first base, but Goldschmidt could offer a clear upgrade for them as well.