Yankees Eye Blockbuster Trade for Former NL MVP!

The New York Yankees are in need of a first baseman as the trade deadline approaches, particularly because Anthony Rizzo has been struggling this season, leading to him being benched on June 9 and 10. With the Yankees aiming for a deep postseason run, upgrading at first base could be crucial. According to Chris Kirschner from The Athletic, former National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt “would make sense for the Yankees as a rental.”

“Consider Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, another free agent at the end of the season,” Kirschner wrote. “Goldschmidt’s recent performance hasn’t matched his impressive track record, but there are few players better than him. If the Cardinals fall out of the playoff race in the next several weeks, he could be a suitable rental for the Yankees.”

Currently, the St. Louis Cardinals are at 31-34, sitting last in the National League Central. They might look to trade some veteran players, including Goldschmidt.

Goldschmidt’s Potential Role with the Yankees

Goldschmidt, a seven-time All-Star, has spent the past six seasons with the Cardinals. Although his 2024 performance hasn’t been up to his usual standards, he could still be an asset for the Yankees if traded. Earlier in the season, Goldschmidt was also mentioned as a potential trade target for the Yankees.

“It depends on how Goldschmidt performs leading up to the trade deadline,” wrote Jim Bowden of The Athletic on May 23. “If he proves to be an upgrade over Rizzo or effective in a platoon with him, then he’s worth considering. He’s still a strong defender at first base, a clubhouse leader, and a proven winner.”

Rizzo, a three-time All-Star, has had a tough 2024 season, posting a .220/.279/.332 slash line. Although Goldschmidt is also struggling, his history suggests he could rebound.

Goldschmidt is currently hitting .225 with a .646 OPS in 63 games and has seven home runs. However, his advanced metrics show promise; his 44.6% hard-hit rate in 2024 is higher than in two of his All-Star seasons (2016 and 2018).

Goldschmidt’s Credentials and Contract

Goldschmidt boasts five Silver Sluggers, four Gold Gloves, an MVP award, and seven All-Star selections. The 36-year-old will be a free agent after this season.

“I wouldn’t overpay for Goldschmidt, who turns 37 in September, since he’s a rental and faces similar age and decline issues as Rizzo,” Bowden noted. “However, adding depth to the lineup and safeguarding against injuries makes sense.”

The Yankees have had limited depth at first base this season. Besides Rizzo, only Oswaldo Cabrera and, more recently, DJ LeMahieu have played the position. If Goldschmidt were added, LeMahieu could continue at third base.

Despite a small sample size, Goldschmidt has performed well at Yankee Stadium, with a .385 batting average, one home run, and a 1.000 OPS in three games.