After spending six seasons anchoring the lineup for the St. Louis Cardinals and eight productive years with the Arizona Diamondbacks, veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is preparing for the next chapter of his distinguished Major League Baseball career. As he enters what will be his second season with the New York Yankees, Goldschmidt finds himself in a familiar yet high-pressure environment, chasing the one major accomplishment that has eluded him so far: a World Series championship.
The former Cardinals star and 2022 National League Most Valuable Player recently agreed to a free-agent contract with the Yankees. While the deal had not been officially finalized at the time of reporting, FOX Sports indicated that it is expected to be a one-year agreement worth no more than $5 million. Having already suited up for New York last season, Goldschmidt’s decision to remain in the Bronx reflects both his comfort with the organization and his desire to compete for a title during the twilight years of his career. For a player who has accomplished nearly everything individually, the motivation now is clearly centered on team success.
Goldschmidt will be entering his 16th Major League season, an impressive milestone that underscores his consistency, durability, and sustained excellence. His journey began with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the organization that drafted and developed him. Over the course of eight seasons in Arizona, Goldschmidt established himself as one of the premier first basemen in baseball, earning multiple All-Star selections and Gold Glove Awards while building a reputation as a complete player who excelled on both sides of the ball. His success with the Diamondbacks made him one of the most respected players in the league and eventually led to a blockbuster trade to St. Louis.
That trade sent Goldschmidt to the Cardinals ahead of the 2019 season, ushering in a new era for both the player and the franchise. Expectations were high, and for the most part, Goldschmidt delivered. Over six seasons in St. Louis, he remained a cornerstone of the lineup and a leader in the clubhouse. His individual performance peaked in 2022, when he captured the National League MVP award after producing one of the best seasons of his career. That year, Goldschmidt combined power, plate discipline, and defensive reliability to put together a campaign that stood out even among his already impressive résumé.
However, while Goldschmidt flourished individually during his time with the Cardinals, the team as a whole often fell short of its postseason ambitions. After advancing to the National League Division Series in Goldschmidt’s first season with St. Louis, the Cardinals struggled to make deep playoff runs in the years that followed. From 2020 through 2022, the team was eliminated in the Wild Card round three consecutive times, a frustrating outcome for a franchise accustomed to sustained postseason success. Despite having one of the league’s best first basemen in their lineup, the Cardinals were unable to surround him with enough consistency to push deeper into October.
Still, Goldschmidt’s contributions during those six seasons were undeniable. He accumulated an impressive 22.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) while wearing a Cardinals uniform, including a remarkable 7.7 WAR during his MVP-winning 2022 season alone. These numbers highlight just how valuable he was to the team, even when overall results did not meet expectations. Goldschmidt remained a model of consistency, providing reliable production year after year while maintaining a professional approach that earned the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
Although some observers pointed to signs of decline during the latter stages of his tenure in St. Louis, particularly in 2024, Goldschmidt continued to produce at a level that many players his age could not match. At 36 years old, he still managed to hit 22 home runs, demonstrating that his power had not disappeared entirely. Over his six seasons with the Cardinals, Goldschmidt totaled 153 home runs, 179 doubles, 477 runs batted in, and a .278 batting average. When factoring in the shortened 2020 season, these totals become even more impressive.
On an annual basis, Goldschmidt averaged approximately 25.5 home runs, nearly 30 doubles, and just under 80 RBIs during his time in St. Louis. Those numbers reflect not only his power but also his ability to drive in runs consistently, even when surrounded by fluctuating lineups. He remained a dependable presence in the heart of the order, often serving as the stabilizing force during periods when the team struggled to find offensive rhythm.
As Goldschmidt transitioned into the later stages of his career, his offensive profile naturally began to evolve. While his power numbers dipped further in 2025, he showed an ability to adjust by refocusing on contact and plate discipline. After posting the lowest batting average of his career (.245) in 2024, Goldschmidt rebounded by emphasizing situational hitting and on-base skills. This adaptability is one of the reasons he has remained valuable well into his mid-to-late 30s, even as younger players have entered the league with more raw athleticism.
Beyond his contributions at the plate, Goldschmidt has continued to offer value through his experience and leadership. As a veteran with over a decade and a half in the majors, he brings a steady, professional presence to the clubhouse. Younger players benefit from his preparation, work ethic, and calm demeanor, qualities that are especially important on a team like the Yankees, where expectations are perpetually high. His understanding of the game and ability to handle pressure situations make him a trusted figure both on and off the field.
Defensively, Goldschmidt’s skills have understandably declined with age, but he remains a capable and intelligent first baseman. A former four-time Gold Glove winner, he may no longer be the elite defender he once was, but his instincts and positioning still allow him to contribute. During his time with the Yankees last season, he was frequently used as a defensive replacement, a role that maximized his strengths while managing his physical limitations. This willingness to adapt to new roles further demonstrates his team-first mindset at this stage of his career.
As Goldschmidt continues his journey away from St. Louis, Cardinals fans are left reflecting on what might have been. His time with the franchise produced countless memorable moments, individual accolades, and consistent excellence, even if it did not culminate in the postseason success many had hoped for. Despite the disappointment of missed opportunities, there remains a deep appreciation for what Goldschmidt brought to the organization during his six-year tenure.
Now, as he chases a championship in New York, fans in St. Louis and beyond will undoubtedly be watching with a sense of nostalgia and admiration. Goldschmidt has earned widespread respect not only for his accomplishments on the field but also for his character off it. Seeing a player of his caliber and integrity finally lift a World Series trophy would be a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary career—even if that moment comes in a Yankees uniform rather than a Cardinals one.
