Yankees risk on Paul Goldschmidt comes with upside, glaring reasons for concern

In Paul Goldschmidt, the Yankees brought in a seven-time All-Star just a few seasons removed from being the NL MVP.He also is coming off the worst season of his life, one in which he trended down virtually everywhere.In Goldschmidt, the Yankees have added a first baseman who has won four Gold Gloves, but none since 2021, and the 37-year-old does not have the range he once boasted.In Goldschmidt, the Yankees have landed a hitting savant who might end up in the Hall of Fame, but how soon will he be eligible?As has become customary, the Yankees took a swing at an aging veteran whose best days are behind him but who might have some good days left.

Let’s take a look at Goldschmidt’s 2024 season to try to glean whether he will be more Matt Carpenter or Troy Tulowitzki.In his final season with the Cardinals, the 14-year veteran was miserable for nearly four months (holding a .665 OPS on July 27) and strong for the final two months (.818 OPS in his final 54 games).Throughout a polarized season, though, he hit the ball hard.According to FanGraphs, 40 percent of his batted balls registered at least 95 mph, which was good for 15th among qualified hitters (No.

16 was Bryce Harper).His final two months of the season earned the $12.5 million contract with the Yankees that has yet to be announced.In significant ways during those two months, he rebounded.

His strikeout rate fell from 28.7 percent to 22.1 percent; his slugging percentage soared from .379 to .486; his average jumped from .227 to .283.His bat speed ticked up, too, a positive sign of perhaps an older player adjusting his plate approach with an altered skill set.Goldschmidt’s year-end numbers — a .716 OPS with 22 home runs, 65 RBIs and 11 steals — are not overwhelming, but consider the Yankees’ 2024 first basemen.

The group’s collective .602 OPS was the worst in baseball among that positional group by plenty.Sure, the Yankees will hope for more, but they would not complain if Goldschmidt is roughly th...