The New York Yankees made a major announcement on slugger Paul Goldschmidt before their series against the Atlanta Braves.
The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association announced the winners of the Heart & Hustle awards for each team. New York’s winner was Goldschmidt.
According to MLB, the Heart & Hustle award “Is presented annually to active players who exemplify a true passion for the game and who best embody the values, spirit and traditions of the game. The Heart and Hustle Award is the only award in Major League Baseball that is voted on by former players. Voting for team winners is conducted prior to the All-Star break.”
Goldschmidt is in his second season with the Yankees. It’s also the second-straight season the first baseman has won the award.
The 38-year-old is beloved in the Yankees’ locker room, and it’s clear the alumni also appreciate him, as he was named their award winner.
Goldschmidt is hitting .247 with 16 home runs and 44 RBIs with the Yankees this season.
Goldschmidt Having Success With Yankees
With the Yankees dealing with some key injuries, Goldschmidt has stepped up and played well.
Entering the year, Goldschmidt wasn’t sure what his role would be. But, he returned to the Yankees because he loved the room.
“I don’t think there was a sales pitch,” Goldschmidt said. “I just loved these guys, I enjoyed even the times last year when I wasn’t playing, and that’s not always the case. Even the beginning of this year, I wasn’t playing that much, but I was still having so much fun showing up every day with these guys.”
The Yankees planned to use Ben Rice as their starting first baseman and Giancarlo Stanton as the DH. Yet, due to injuries, Goldschmidt started to play more, but after the trade deadline, Goldschmidt’s role declined.
However, the seven-time All-Star and former NL MVP is still playing a key role for the Yankees on and off the field.
New York Hopeful to Get Judge Back
While Goldschmidt was named an award winner, the Yankees are still waiting for AL MVP winner Aaron Judge to return.
Judge is on the IL, and he makes it clear he will return this season.
“I’ll be back this season,” Judge said. “I don’t know why I wouldn’t be. That was always the plan, to come back sooner than later, definitely. I never had a thought of not playing this year. … I just got the scan (Tuesday). And the minute they said we’re going to start running, I said, ‘All right, I’ll see you outside,’” Judge said. “I kind of forced them on that one. Hopefully whenever we get a game plan, you guys will be somewhere on the list and we’ll let you guys know.”
The Yankees are 64-51 and 4.5 games back of the Tampa Bay Rays for the top spot in the AL East.
Yankees Announce Major Paul Goldschmidt News Before Braves Series