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Yankees bringing back former MVP slugger

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Feb 6, 2026 7:58 PM ET

The New York Yankees are holding onto one of their former MVP bats from last season.

The Yankees are reportedly re-signing first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Several reporters confirmed Friday that Goldschmidt has agreed to return to New York on a one-year deal.

First baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees are finalizing a one-year contract, sources tell ESPN. Goldschmidt, 38, returns to the Yankees after hitting .274/.328/.403 for them last season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 6, 2026

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the 2022 NL MVP received offers for more money to play elsewhere, but opted to stick with the Yankees on a short-term contract. The news came a day after fellow New York Post reporter Jon Heyman linked Goldschmidt to a National League team.

Goldschmidt no longer possesses the power he once did during his days with the St. Louis Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks. In his first year with the Yankees, Goldschmidt recorded just 10 home runs—the fewest he’s ever had in a full season by far.

What Goldschmidt did provide was stability at first base. The 38-year-old brought over his 4-time Gold Glove defense to the Yankees’ infield, and figures to be the more dependable defensive option between him and Ben Rice. It also doesn’t hurt having a 15-year veteran in the clubhouse around the rest of the team’s young talent.

Goldschmidt batted .274 with 10 home runs, 45 RBIs, and an OPS of .731 across 146 games for the Yankees in 2025.

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

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