Juan Soto parted ways with the New York Yankees in December 2024. It stunned the league back then, questioning how exactly the team would fill the gap left by one of the most elite hitters in the league. But the concerns only lasted till they landed on two stars who are now breezing past the expectations. In fact, one of them is drawing commendation from all over the league.

After Juan Soto departed from the Bronx on 11th December, the Yankees wasted no more time in restructuring their offensive core. They signed Paul Goldschmidt for one year. In fact, not just Goldschmidt, the Yankees also signed former MVP Cody Bellinger.

Paul Goldschmidt, coming off the least productive full season of his career, made something called a ‘prove-it’ deal with the New York Yankees. And guess what? He’s actually proving enough. The $12.5 million veteran slugger has been playing like it’s his prime years all over again. The 37-year-old has been hitting an impressive .345 and is consistent in making contact.

Presently, he has a career-best strikeout rate of 15.9%. And that serves as testament to his discipline at the plate and veteran approach. To your surprise, he has already crossed his 2024 fWAR total. It’s a clear sign that despite his aging, there’s plenty remaining in the tank.

Ever since he has been a Yankee, he has helped bring in stability to the lineup. If you remember, during the Subway Series, both Bellinger and Goldschmidt contributed to the Yankees’ 6-2 win over the Mets.

Yankees’ pitcher Carlos Rodón acknowledged both Goldschmidt and Bellinger’s impact in the lineup and said, “They’ve been so great for us.” For Goldy in particular, Rodon added, “Goldy just does it the right way every day.” After all, Goldschmidt‘s ability to deliver clutch hits and drive in runs is unmatched.

And it’s exactly what makes him a valuable asset in the team’s quest for a championship title. However, looking at the bigger picture, will Goldy be willing to sign a contract extension with the Yankees after 2026?

Goldschmidt’s impressive Yankees tenure could be a one-year story

Even at the age of 37, Goldschmidt has re-established himself as a reliable ace in the Yankees’ lineup. The veteran first baseman holds a slash line of .339/.392/.486 along with 5 home runs and 25 RBIs in 195 plate appearances.

According to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, Goldy is doing exactly what the Yankees want to see in a veteran. Showing up when it matters, delivering well, and offering guidance to the young prospects. Moreover, Bowden added, “He’s not done… He just needs an occasional rest to stay sharp.” Both offensively and defensively, Goldschmidt’s game has depth. But let’s not forget, rest is the key for him to deliver in the long run.

He added, “He’s at an age where he’s probably going to have to sign one-year contracts, like he did this time with the Yankees ($12.5 million deal).” That being said, it’s unlikely that he will sign an extension with the Yankees after his contract ends.

Goldschmidt will probably be more interested in signing another one-year contract. And it makes sense, given the fact that he’s aging. While the Yankees haven’t ruled out the idea of re-signing him for just one year, it’s likely that the Yankees will prefer Ben Rice as their long-term option.

The young first baseman is versatile, and the Yankees can make the most of him. And for Goldschmidt? If not the Yankees, many other teams in the league would be interested in offering him his desired contract length.