Current free agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt reportedly “wants to keep playing in 2026 and is preparing to do so despite not having a contract yet”, stated MLB insider Jon Paul Morosi earlier today in a tweet on X. Paul Goldschmidt, who’s currently 38 years old, was the Yankees first baseman in 2025 in which he split duties at first with young 26 year old left handed hitter 1B/C Ben Rice.
Goldschmidt Had a Great Start To His Yankees Tenure In 2025
Goldschmidt appeared in 146 games with the Yankees in 2025, posting a 1.2 WAR (wins above replacement) with a .274 batting average, 10 home runs, 45 RBI’s, and a .731 OPS. The Yankees essentially brought in Goldschmidt on a one-year, $12.5 million dollar contract last offseason because of his veteran presence, being a right-handed hitter, and the fact that Goldschmidt has had tons of success facing left-handed pitching. Goldschmidt put up a .981 OPS when facing left-handed pitchers in 2025 with New York, reports Morosi.
Goldschmidt was hitting for a near .350 batting average the first month of the season through April, and didn’t dip below .300 until June, where he reached his first big slump during the 2025 season with the Yankees, according to StatMuse. Goldschmidt wasn’t the same player in the second half as he was in his mostly dominating first half with the bat, but this is a guy who, at the very least, can give you a good depth piece option off the bench who’s right-handed and is comfortable facing left-handed pitching.
Ben Rice Likely Viewed As Everyday First Baseman In 2026
It’s unlikely at this point that Goldschmidt returns to the Yankees because they reportedly view Ben Rice as the everyday first baseman moving forward in 2026. It’s a bit surprising to hear that Goldschmidt doesn’t have a contract offer yet, with the offseason just two weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting. We’ve heard rumors that the Mets are interested in Paul Goldschmidt after losing Pete Alonso, but since then, the Mets have signed infielder Jorge Polanco to play first and Bo Bichette to play third.
At present, a team like the Mets is focusing heavily on starting pitching, even after acquiring Brewers ace Freddy Peralta. But you could never discount a team like them. Perhaps the Arizona Diamondbacks swoop in for a reunion on a one-year deal with the veteran Goldschmidt, who was once a franchise cornerstone player for them back in the 2010’s. The Diamondbacks could use a first baseman, and Goldschmidt’s veteran presence and leadership could pay dividends in a locker room filled with young talent in Arizona.
GettySYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 23: Paul Goldschmidt of the Diamondbacks bats during the MLB match between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 23, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Regardless of where Goldschmidt ends up, Morosi confirms that Goldschmidt has every intention of playing in 2026 and is getting himself ready to do so for any team that could become interested in acquiring his services. It will be interesting to see where, in fact, Goldschmidt ends up and the impact he could have on his next team, as well as seeing how much left he has in the tank. Goldschmidt has carved out a nice career for himself. 7-time All Star, an MVP, four gold gloves, seven silver slugger awards. Any team that lands him could see the benefit of bringing in a guy with that kind of resume.
Former Yankees First Baseman Wants To Keep Playing In 2026