BREAKING-NEWS; Major Addition As Yankees Officially Land Cardinal’s Four-Time Gold Glove Winner To 1year Deal.

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees have reached a one-year, $12.5 million agreement with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday. The deal is contingent on Goldschmidt passing a physical.

Goldschmidt would become the Yankees’ fourth major addition following the departure of Juan Soto to the New York Mets, joining left-hander Max Fried, closer Devin Williams, and outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. With Goldschmidt’s arrival, it’s expected that Bellinger will primarily play in the outfield.

The Yankees are still on the lookout for a third baseman and left-handed relievers, as there are currently no lefties on their 40-man roster.

A seven-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner, and the 2022 NL MVP, Goldschmidt now joins fellow MVPs Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Bellinger in New York. He became a free agent after the conclusion of his five-year, $130 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Paul Paul Goldschmidt

Goldschmidt spent his first eight seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks before playing the last six with the Cardinals. Last season, he posted a career-low .245 batting average, hitting 22 homers and driving in 65 RBIs. However, he finished strong, batting .283 with seven homers and 25 RBIs from July 28 onward.

Against left-handed pitchers in 2024, Goldschmidt hit .295 with five homers, 16 RBIs, and an .839 OPS in 167 plate appearances. Against righties, he posted a .230 average with 17 homers, 49 RBIs, and a .675 OPS in 487 plate appearances.

A career .289 hitter, Goldschmidt has accumulated 362 homers and 1,187 RBIs over his time with the Diamondbacks (2011-18) and Cardinals (2019-24). In 2022, he had a stellar season, batting .317 with 35 homers, 115 RBIs, and a .981 OPS.

Additionally, the Yankees finalized a one-year deal with right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga, which includes a club option for 2026. Pitching coach Matt Blake stated this week that the 30-year-old Loáisiga, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery in May 2024, could return by late April or May. Blake noted that Loáisiga will likely be used in high-leverage situations once he’s ready, but the team will ensure not to rush his recovery.