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The New York Yankees are barreling toward October with momentum, but one of their most respected veterans is facing the end of an era. Paul Goldschmidt, a seven-time All-Star and former MVP, knows the questions about his future are only getting louder. At 38 years old and headed toward free agency, it is widely expected that the Yankees will not bring him back in 2026.

Goldschmidt, however, isn’t rushing into decisions.

“I’ll just worry about it (in the offseason),” he said recently, per the New York Daily News. “I’m always someone who stays in the moment. Whatever the future holds, there’ll be a time to think about that and deal with that then.”

A Diminished Role, but the Same Professional

The Yankees took a one-year gamble on Goldschmidt this winter, signing him to a $12.5 million deal after he endured the worst season of his career in St. Louis. For a while, the bet looked smart. Through his first 57 games, he was hitting .338 with an .889 OPS, showing flashes of the consistent hitter who once terrorized pitching staffs in Arizona and St. Louis.

Since then, the production has dipped. Over his next 83 games, Goldschmidt posted a .230 average and a .626 OPS, numbers that underscored his struggles against right-handed pitching. The power that made him a National League MVP in 2022 has also faded—just 10 home runs and 44 RBI mark career lows over a full season.

Even so, Goldschmidt has remained a weapon against lefties, putting up a 1.020 OPS against southpaws. That platoon success should be enough to earn him looks from other teams this offseason, albeit in a reduced role.

Defensively, he’s no longer the Gold Glove-caliber anchor he once was, but he still carries the instincts and hands that have defined his career. His -3 Outs Above Average put him near the bottom of qualified first basemen, yet the Yankees have trusted him to make plays in big moments.

Leadership That Can’t Be Measured

If Goldschmidt’s bat and glove have lost some bite, his presence in the clubhouse remains as strong as ever. Manager Aaron Boone praised him as “the gold standard” when it comes to leadership and character, a sentiment echoed by younger teammates like Ben Rice.

Rice, a natural catcher adjusting to first base, has leaned on Goldschmidt’s mentorship all season. “You can really pick his brain about anything,” Rice said. “He’s so approachable, and it’s just been such a pleasure to play with him this year.”

The Yankees are positioned to move forward without him. Rice has shown he can handle left-handed pitchers, and the front office remains focused on re-signing Cody Bellinger, who could also see time at first base.

The reality is that New York has younger, more versatile options. Goldschmidt’s age, diminished production, and price tag make him unlikely to return.

Still, across the league, teams will notice his ability to hit lefties, his professionalism, and his reputation as one of the game’s best teammates. A smaller contract and platoon role could keep him on a roster if he decides retirement can wait.

For now, Goldschmidt insists the decision isn’t on his mind. His priority is helping the Yankees chase a championship.

“I’m enjoying playing,” he said. “And I don’t want to let my focus shift from today’s game or this year.”

Goldschmidt makes this run either his last or just his final chapter in pinstripes, turning his future into one of the offseason’s most intriguing storylines.

Alvin Garcia Born in Puerto Rico, Alvin Garcia is a sports writer for Heavy.com who focuses on MLB. His work has appeared on FanSided, LWOS, NewsBreak, Athlon Sports, and Yardbarker, covering mostly MLB. More about Alvin Garcia