ESPN: The Yankees Close in to Sign Rizzo’s Replacement on a $12 million contract.
What Juan Soto performs during the New York Yankees’ search for Anthony Rizzo’s replacement might have a significant impact on the team’s choice. Even if Soto returns, the Yankees have the money to spend on players, but because he may receive more than $600 million, the team might try to choose a less expensive choice.
That wouldn’t be the worst choice, and it wouldn’t really matter if the Yankees were able to locate a trustworthy successor. At first base, they don’t need a superstar, but they do need someone who can be a major leaguer who is average to above average.
The Yankees will have a lot of alternatives, including veteran Paul Goldschmidt. Goldschmidt, who is older and should be inexpensive because of a poor 2024 campaign, may also be the finest of the group.
According to Fox 43’s most recent contract projection, Jacob Hitz, he would sign a one-year, $12 million contract.
I think Goldschmidt will end his career in Arizona, where it all started, after having the worst season of his career. The 37-year-old hopes to improve on 2024, but if he can’t recover his form, it may be the last season for the former MVP. His seasoned presence and maybe his powerful right-handed bat in the middle of the order would also be advantageous to the Diamondbacks.
“Jacob’s Pick: Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks comes home.” With Walker hitting the market, the Diamondbacks will probably need a first baseman, and Goldschmidt is a great match. He might offer the D-backs another chance to make a strong postseason run since he brings a wealth of knowledge back to the desert,” Hitz wrote on November 22.
Even if Hitz had him sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Yankees are more concerned with the money. In comparison to other players on the market, $12 million is nothing for a buy-low candidate like Goldschmidt.
Goldschmidt Would Make the “Perfect” Substitute
Goldschmidt would be the ideal replacement for the New York Yankees if they want to spend as little money as feasible. Christian Walker or someone else would be a better choice if they’re prepared to shell out a lot of money for a first baseman.
FanSided’s Mark Powell thinks Goldschmidt may be the “perfect” alternative, emphasizing that they could still sign him even if Soto signs a $600 million contract.
A first baseman is, of course, what New York needs even more. Since they turned down Anthony Rizzo’s option, he is now a free agent. Goldschmidt would be a perfect, affordable substitute, particularly if they decide to offer Juan Soto a $600 million contract extension. On November 14, Powell said, “(John Mozeliak) and the St. Louis front office can handle losing both players, but if they band together and win on another contender, it’ll look even worse.”
“Only if the Cardinals trade Arenado before Goldschmidt makes a free-agent decision could such a situation occur.”
Why It Makes Sense to Purchase Goldschmidt at Low Prices
The New York Yankees may be understandably concerned about the future Hall of Famer’s poor 2024 season, but it’s crucial to keep in mind the great he was before. Goldschmidt earned an MVP award in 2022, so this isn’t a player who has been struggling for more than five years. He had a 177 OPS+ and a.317/.404/.578 cut.
The Yankees would receive the best deal of the summer if they could even acquire a small portion of that output.
