ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – MAY 27: Paul Goldschmidt #48 of the New York Yankees looks on in the dugout … More during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 27, 2025 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge might get most of the headlines with the New York Yankees.
Deservedly so.
Judge is a phenomenal talent, who is on a tear this season.
Before the Yankees series opener with the Cleveland Guardians June 3, Judge is hitting a whopping .391/.485/.764/.1.248, with 21 homers and 50 RBIs in 262 plate appearances.
But Judge isn’t alone in creating havoc in the Yankees lineup.
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt, 37, may be in the midst of his best year ever.
Prior to the Yankees series with Cleveland, Goldschmidt has hit .333/.388/.486/.874, with six homers, and 28 RBIs in 238 plate appearances.
The Yankees have a 5.5 game lead in the American League East.
The dual threats of Judge and Goldschmidt can help erase the sting of Yankees fans losing Juan Soto to the cross-town New York Mets.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 19: Paul Goldschmidt of the Diamondbacks looks on during an Arizona … More Diamondbacks MLB training session at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 19, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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At 6-2, 225 pounds, “Goldy” doesn’t have overwhelming size.
He does, however, get plenty of strength from a proven, measured swing that has served him well for all of his 15-year career.
Goldschmidt was an 8th round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2009 MLB draft.
A six time All Star with Arizona, Goldschmidt played parts of eight seasons with the Diamondbacks, compiling a .297 batting average in 4,708 plate appearances. He hit 209 home runs, and drove in 710 in that span.
Goldschmidt also made the All Star team with the 2022 Cardinals.
Goldschmidt won three first base Gold Gloves with the Dbacks, and one with the Cardinals.
Goldschmidt has won five Silver Slugger Awards.
In 2018, when Goldschmidt was about to become a free agent, the Diamondbacks traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals; receiving catcher Carson Kelly, pitcher Luke Weaver, and infielder Andrew Young in return.
Goldschmidt played six seasons with the Cardinals. He hit a combined .278, with 153 home runs, and 477 RBIs in 3,584 plate appearances.
When he reached free agency this past fall, Goldschmidt signed with the Yankees on December 30, 2024.
Goldschmidt is working on a one-year Yankees contract, worth $12.5 million.
Goldschmidt’s contract may be among the best pure values of any baseball player this season.
In his career, Goldschmidt has earned:
The 2023 National League Hank Aaron Award, which is bestowed upon the best offensive player in each league.
The 2015 Wilson Defensive Player of the Year, which was awarded to the best defensive player at each fielding position in baseball.
Membership on the 2022 All-MLB Team
The 2022 National League Hank Aaron Award, as a repeat winner.
The 2022 National League Most Valuable Player Award
The 2023 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the spirit and character of Lou Gehrig, both on and off the field.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 18: Paul Goldschmidt #48 of the New York Yankees poses for a portrait … More during the New York Yankees Photo Day at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 18, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Tremendous Influence On Others:
To this old scout, Paul Goldschmidt brings more than his baseball skills to the New York Yankees.
Goldschmidt has always been an active participant in community events, and his leadership skills and compassion are evident to those in his presence.
Strong, quiet, and unassuming, this writer remembers the times “Goldy” and his wife spent in Children’s Hospital and reaching out to other organizations in Phoenix.
Diamondbacks fans, and the entire Phoenix community, deeply felt the loss of the Goldschmidt family when they moved to St. Louis.
Young players, and even veterans who watch Goldschmidt, will see a player with very sound fundamentals on both offense and defense.
Goldschmidt is not flashy. He may not be noticed on the diamond until he makes an outstanding play at first base, or hits the ball to the gap to drive in a run.
Paul Goldschmidt leads by example.
The Yankees made a great choice when they signed Paul Goldschmidt to the one-year contract.
He has earned every penny already, and is in store for an even bigger pay day at the end of the year.
All at the age of 37.
“Goldy” may be having the best year of his career.
Yankees fans should get ready to see Paul Goldschmidt in his eighth All Star game.
This time, however, he will be wearing Yankee pinstripes.
