The New York Yankees have opted not to exercise Anthony Rizzo’s 2025 club option, which leaves them with a notable gap at first base heading into the offseason. With the team’s search for a new first baseman underway, the organization must decide whether to pursue an expensive option in free agency or look for more affordable alternatives. Among the top names available, Pete Alonso stands out as the priciest, but there are other viable, cost-effective choices such as Christian Walker and Paul Goldschmidt. Additionally, trade opportunities like Chicago Cubs slugger Cody Bellinger are on the table, which could provide the Yankees with another way to address the position.
First base was a significant issue for the Yankees in 2024, with the team posting a -1.1 WAR at the position, ranking as the fourth-worst mark in all of baseball, according to FanGraphs. The position saw heavy rotation throughout the season, with manager Aaron Boone using five different players. Anthony Rizzo, who was the regular starter, played the most games at first (91). Other players who took turns at the position included Ben Rice (46 games) and DJ LeMahieu (29 games), but none were able to establish consistency. Among this group, Oswaldo Cabrera was the only player to contribute positively, registering a 0.1 WAR in just eight games.
Looking to potential free-agent targets, Paul Goldschmidt could be an intriguing option for the Yankees. Although the four-time Gold Glove Award winner and 2023 National League MVP had a down year in 2024, his production would still represent an improvement for New York’s first base situation. Goldschmidt finished the season with a .245/.302/.414 slash line, 22 home runs, 33 doubles, 65 RBIs, and 70 runs scored across 654 plate appearances. His overall performance was valued at 1.1 WAR by FanGraphs, a solid contribution that could help stabilize the Yankees’ offense.
Despite his underwhelming 2024 season, Goldschmidt remains a highly respected player with a track record of success. MLB Trade Rumors predicts that he will likely land a one-year, $15 million contract in free agency, which would be a manageable commitment for the Yankees. This type of short-term deal could be an attractive option for the team, providing them with immediate help at first base without locking them into a long-term payroll commitment. A one-year contract would also allow the Yankees to maintain financial flexibility to address other roster needs.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter suggests that Goldschmidt could be a strong fit for the Yankees, potentially slotting into the middle of their lineup behind players like Jazz Chisholm Jr., Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge. The addition of Goldschmidt would give the Yankees a reliable veteran presence in the heart of their order, which could help bolster an offense that has struggled with consistency in recent seasons.
Overall, signing Goldschmidt on a one-year deal would be a low-risk move for the Yankees that could pay off immediately while leaving room for future flexibility. Given their uncertain future at first base, general manager Brian Cashman and his front office will need to weigh their options carefully this winter, balancing the potential benefits of free-agent signings like Goldschmidt against the possibility of making a trade to solve the position for the long term.
