The New York Yankees appear ready to move on from veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt after just one season, as the former MVP remains unsigned while expressing interest in continuing his Major League Baseball career. According to reports from MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the 38-year-old infielder is preparing to play in 2026 despite not having a contract in place. The Yankees’ decision to potentially part ways with Goldschmidt comes as the organization faces significant payroll constraints heading into the new season.
Goldschmidt joined the Yankees on a one-year, $12.5 million contract last offseason with expectations of replacing Anthony Rizzo as the everyday first baseman. However, his role diminished throughout the season as he eventually moved into a platoon arrangement with Ben Rice, who now appears positioned to assume full-time duties at first base.
Yankees Budget Constraints Impact Paul Goldschmidt Decision
The Yankees’ reluctance to re-sign Goldschmidt stems from substantial financial commitments already on the books. According to salary tracking data, the organization owes more than $30 million to star players Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and Cody Bellinger in 2026. These massive contracts have significantly limited the team’s flexibility in free agency despite winning 94 games last season.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman addressed the team’s financial situation earlier in the offseason, according to Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com. The executive acknowledged that while the franchise maintains an aggressive approach, existing large commitments impact decision-making in other roster areas. This conservative strategy has resulted in the team primarily pursuing reunion deals rather than splashy new additions.
Former MVP’s Performance With Yankees
Goldschmidt’s 2025 campaign with the Yankees produced mixed results that ultimately influenced the organization’s decision. He finished the season with a .274/.328/.403 slash line, showing signs of decline at his advanced age. However, Morosi noted that Goldschmidt posted a .981 OPS against left-handed pitching, demonstrating continued effectiveness in specific matchups.
The veteran’s reduced role marked a significant shift from his earlier career accomplishments. Throughout his 15 MLB seasons, Goldschmidt has earned seven All-Star selections, five Silver Slugger Awards, four Gold Glove Awards, and one Most Valuable Player Award. Additionally, his transition to part-time duty represented a stark contrast to his reputation as one of baseball’s premier first basemen.
Market Options for Veteran First Baseman
Meanwhile, Goldschmidt’s prospects for securing another MLB contract appear centered on finding a platoon role with a different organization. His strong performance against left-handed pitching last season makes him an attractive option for teams seeking a right-handed bat to complement a left-handed-hitting first baseman. However, teams seeking an everyday starter will likely look elsewhere given his age and recent statistical decline.
In contrast to previous offseasons, the free agent market for aging veterans has moved slowly this winter. Several experienced players remain unsigned as spring training approaches, creating uncertainty about roster construction throughout the league. The Yankees themselves have focused on cost-effective moves, reuniting with outfielders Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger rather than pursuing expensive free agents.
As spring training approaches, Goldschmidt’s next destination remains uncertain. The veteran first baseman will likely need to accept a platoon role and modest salary to extend his 16th MLB season, with several teams potentially emerging as suitors in the coming weeks.
