While the New York Yankees’ offseason may have been dominated by the failed Juan Soto trade and the high-profile acquisitions of Max Fried and Devin Williams, it’s important not to overlook two key additions: former MVPs Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt. Bellinger, who won the MVP in 2019, and Goldschmidt, the 2022 MVP, are both star players with a proven track record—even if their most recent seasons didn’t quite match their usual brilliance.
On Tuesday, Bellinger took a moment to praise his new teammate Goldschmidt, acknowledging his remarkable consistency throughout his career. “Paul is a pro’s pro,” Bellinger said. “He’s been steady defensively and is a surprisingly great baserunner. His offensive stats speak for themselves. He holds himself to high standards and is a tremendous player.”
- Paul Goldschmidt
Both players are coming off disappointing 2024 seasons but are looking to prove they still have plenty left in the tank. When fully healthy and locked in, Bellinger and Goldschmidt can still dominate the game. Goldschmidt, at 37, will take over at first base for the Yankees in 2025, replacing Anthony Rizzo. Having signed a one-year deal, he aims to prove he’s not finished. Last season, he hit 22 home runs and posted a league-average 100 wRC+, a dip from his career average of 139 wRC+.
If Goldschmidt can maintain a 100-110 wRC+ in 2025, the Yankees will benefit from an upgrade over the production they’ve received from Rizzo and others in recent years. While age has certainly affected his numbers, the Yankees are betting that playing for a World Series contender will bring out the best in him.
Leave a Reply