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Cubs Land Former MVP from Yankees in Trade Idea

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 3:30 PM ET

The New York Yankees could soon be facing a roster dilemma—and the Chicago Cubs might be in prime position to capitalize.

With slugger Giancarlo Stanton nearing a return and top prospect Ben Rice pushing for more playing time, the Yankees may not have room to keep Paul Goldschmidt in the everyday lineup. Goldschmidt, who signed to a one-year deal, has been a standout performer this season, and his value on the trade market may be the highest among first basemen.

“New York will not be able to get Rice, Stanton, and Goldschmidt in the same lineup on a regular basis," wrote Newsweek’s Andrew Wright. "The trade of a player on a one-year deal rather than a young, promising player could be the correct move for the Yankees to make."

If the Yankees decide to move him, the Cubs are a logical trade partner.

The Cubs, currently leading the National League Central, are locked in a tight race with the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals. While their overall roster has held up well, first base remains a weakness.

Michael Busch has seen the bulk of the playing time at the position and is hitting .276 overall. However, his .148 average against left-handed pitching is a glaring issue. In 18 games at first base, Justin Turner has hit .250 against lefties but just .207 overall.

In Wright’s eyes, that inconsistency makes Goldschmidt an ideal fit for the Cubs.

Goldschmidt, a seven-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner, and former National League MVP, is thriving in New York. Through 220 at-bats, he is slashing .327 with six home runs and a .859 OPS. More importantly for Chicago, Goldschmidt has been devastating against left-handed pitchers, slashing .520/.613/.900 in 50 at-bats.

With Busch struggling against southpaws and Turner offering minimal upside, Wright believes the Cubs would gladly take Goldschmidt’s production against left-handers over Turner’s.

The Cubs are in a win-now window, and the NL Central remains tightly contested. Meanwhile, the Yankees have an incentive to move a productive veteran they may not be able to keep in the lineup long-term.

Goldschmidt's trade value is surging, and if the Yankees are willing to deal, the Cubs could find their first base solution and a possible difference-maker for a postseason run.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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