The winter chills of the offseason brought a series of near misses for the New York Yankees, each threatening to reshape their season. The Bronx drama reached a crescendo when generational talent Juan Soto spurned them for their crosstown rivals – a haunting blow that left a gaping hole in their lineup. But what if they’d also lost their fallback plan?

Under immense pressure, the front office searched the market for a remedy that might revive both output and morale. Whispers spread in the interim about possible targets. Names were floated, gossip ran rampant, and the Hot Stove flared with conjecture. Still, among the commotion, a certain veteran first baseman fit into that puzzle. What if they had lost that, too? As per this MLB insider, the Yanks were on the edge of losing him to another club.

Wondering who that player is? And which club was so keen to get him?

Enter the Milwaukee Brewers. As per MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Brewers had set their eyes on this experienced slugger, Paul Goldschmidt. Why? Because their top offseason target, contingent on their current first baseman, Rhys Hoskins, was opting out of his contract. The plan was set! The moment the position became vacant, they would aggressively seek Goldschmidt. However, Hoskins decided to stay; the Brewers’ chase stopped short of starting. And for the Yankees?

This unanticipated turn of events opened the way for the Yankees. Taking advantage of the chance, they signed Goldschmidt to a one-year, $12.5 million contract, a decision that will help them navigate this season. The insider’s disclosure is strangely similar to the Yankees’ most recent encounter with Soto. He became one of the most sought-after players on the market after a successful stay in the Bronx. Though the Yankees tried hard to keep him, Soto finally accepted a lucrative contract with Queens.

The near miss with their current first baseman has an unsettling similarity to the Soto story. Had Hoskins chosen out, the Yankees would probably be in a heated bidding battle with the Brewers for his services.

Goldschmidt didn’t hesitate in expressing his love for the franchise: “The expectations and the tradition…is maybe like no other franchise in the world.” “There’s that attitude around here, you can feel it in the clubhouse and playing against the Yankees.”

The good news is the Yanks have got him, and Goldschmidt is playing amazingly well, filling a void and supporting Judge, a move that was questioned when Soto left.

Paul Goldschmidt became Yankees’ post-Soto savior

After Soto’s move to the Mets, Goldschmidt’s presence in New York has been a major benefit for the Yankees. At 37, the former NL MVP has effortlessly fit into the lineup, offering veteran leadership and offensive consistency on a one-year, $12.5 million contract.

Goldschmidt has changed his strategy to emphasize contact hitting over power. By late April, he is second on the Yankees behind Aaron Judge in hits (35 to 39) and doubles (6 to 7), and third in OPS (.920) behind Judge and designated hitter Ben Rice. With far fewer strikeouts and ground balls, his modified strategy has produced what could be his highest career batting average. “He’s such a pro,” said Judge.

Goldschmidt’s presence has helped create a more dynamic and flexible Yankees lineup. Particularly from the leadoff position in the batting order, the squad has had notable offensive growth in the 2025 MLB season. With an average of 5.65 runs per game—second best in MLB—the Yankees have exceeded their 2024 average. When asked how he’s liking his time, Goldschmidt said, “It’s nice to get hits, and the team’s been playing well.” “So I’ve felt pretty good. But there’s still a long season to go.”

Replacing a generational talent like Soto is not simple, but Goldschmidt’s acquisition has proven to be a strategic triumph for the Yankees. His offensive output and veteran presence have helped stabilize and energize the club, making them serious contenders for the 2025 season.

As the season approaches, the New York Yankees are hoping to get the best out of him.