Justin Havens on Baseball is Dead said it best. The New York Yankees would much rather have Juan Soto in their lineup. They certainly put their best foot forward by offering the $760 million dollars. As we all know, Soto chose the New York Mets, but instead of sulking and pouting, the Yankees went on to Plan B and we can agree they’ve executed it flawlessly.

The New York Yankees are certainly offseason winners so far. Their Plan B has been beautifully executed and has really made them a more rounded baseball team. Max Fried and Devin Williams elevate the pitching side of things and Cody Bellinger gives them a needed bat and outfield depth. The Yankees aren’t done.

First baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a one-year, $12.5 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Goldschmidt adds a strong veteran bat to deepen the Yankees’ lineup. First on the news was @JackCurryYES.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 21, 2024

Per Jeff Passan, the Yankees have agreed to terms with veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt on a one year deal worth $12.5 million. After seeing Christian Walker join the Houston Astros, this was the next best fit.

Goldschmidt Fits like a Glove

$760 million is a hefty price for one player. So instead, the Yankees are spreading the wealth and building a more well rounded ball club. With the Yankees not opting to keep Anthony Rizzo, the need to pivot for a first baseman was crystal clear. The price tag for a player like Pete Alonso is probably not in the cards for the Yankees, so adding Goldschmidt fits like a glove.

Goldschmidt is a veteran that still brings alot to the table, even at the age of 37. The seven time all-star and 2022 NL MVP has done everything at the big league level, except win a World Series. He now gets to join a team that booked their ticket last season, and has the goal of reaching it again. Goldschmidt has a career .289 batting average and a .891 OPS and still has good baseball in the tank.

This is a cost efficient move for the Yankees. This is a proven player that has shown to play the first base position well. Throughout his career, Goldschmidt has 59 defensive runs saved. His best seasons came in 2015 and 2017 (both 14), but he has been steady for the Cardinals. When it comes to range, he finished 90th percentile in 2017, 92nd percentile in 2019 and 2020, and 94th percentile in 2021. The defense took a bit of a dive, but he is still a very stable presence at the position. Also, he gives the Yankees a good depth bat in the lineup.

Goldschmidt still has plenty to offer at the plate and the Yankees need bats more than anything in the lineup. Although, he did take a down turn at the plate this season. Goldy finished with a slash line of .245/.302/.414 with a .716 OPS. As much of a down turn as it was, this would’ve been the best production from any first baseman on the Yankees during the 2024 season.

Goldschmidt still does good things. He makes hard contact, has a high barrel percentage, and his average exit velocity ranks in the 82nd percentile. This is a great addition to the lineup and the clubhouse and even goes beyond the on field play.

The Intangible Factors

So prior to the Goldschmidt signing, the projected first baseman would’ve been prospect Ben Rice. Rice made his debut last season and aside from his coming out party against the Boston Red Sox, the results were much to be desired. It is okay for a prospect to not be ready and the pressure should not be on a young player to save the day. However, this is where Goldschmidt comes in.

Rice may not be ready and it’s clear as day Goldschmidt is the first baseman come opening day. But this presents an opportunity for the young Rice to learn from a veteran who has had a great career at the MLB level.

Baseball has a great developmental program, with the numerous leagues prior to getting to the show. But for a player like Rice to be around the veteran Goldschmidt and pick his brain and learn, that’s value that goes beyond the financials.

Overall, the Yankees are winning the winter so far and they continue to find ways to bolster their roster. Other teams have remained dead silent, but the Yankees are not one of them.