The Yankees are reportedly re-uniting with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, the two sides agreeing to a one-year deal per multiple reports.
While no terms are known, Joel Sherman of the New York Post notes that Goldschmidt had opportunities to make more elsewhere but chose to re-sign with the Yankees, where he slashed .274/.328/.403 with 10 home runs and 45 RBI in 145 games last season on a one-year, $12.5 million deal.
That performance came with .336/.411/.570 slash line and seven homers in 168 plate appearances against southpaws, but also saw Goldschmidt hit just .245 with a .631 OPS in the second half after a hot start overall.
Still, that line against southpaws makes him a dangerous option off the bench or at first base or DH against lefties, especially with a Yankees lineup that has left-handed hitters slotted into at least six spots of the starting lineup (plus Jasson Dominguez, a switch-hitter who is much better from the left side, and backup catcher J.C. Escarra).
The Yankees had been seeking a righty bench bat for that reason, and with Ben Rice, who had 26 homers and a .836 OPS last year and good success against southpaws, also able to fill in behind the plate, there could be plenty of opportunities for playing time for the veteran returnee.
Goldschmidt was just named to the United States’ World Baseball Classic roster this week, so he will be absent from camp for much of the spring, but returning to familiar pinstripes could ease that burden.
The Yankees’ 40-man roster is full, so they will have to make a corresponding move to add Goldschmidt if and when the deal becomes official.