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Yankees Facing Difficult Paul Goldschmidt Decision After Latest Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 8:26 AM ET

It might feel like it's been decades, but only a month ago, the New York Yankees were a first-place team with a resurgent Paul Goldschmidt manning first base.

Things just keep getting worse. Friday's loss to the crosstown Mets dropped the Yankees to 48-40 and two games out of first place in the AL East. Goldschmidt went 0-for-4, continuing a stretch where he's only recorded 16 hits in his last 98 at-bats.

If the Yankees feel a lineup overhaul is necessary, could that mean Goldschmidt finds himself on the bench? The Yankees wouldn't really make that move, would they?

No, probably not. Very rarely do the Yankees bench veterans, let alone a former NL MVP like Goldschmidt, amid prolonged slumps. Manager Aaron Boone has instead created the impression that he only sits players if he truly feels they can't turn things around, which is why Joey Gallo barely lasted a year with the Yankees.

In fairness to Goldschmidt, he's a 37-year-old hitting .163 with two home runs and a .509 OPS since June 1. He was almost certainly never going to maintain his torrid start, which had him batting .347 as late as May 28.

However, Goldschmidt's average has dropped all the way to .282, and his OPS is down to .769. It's clear that his power stroke is gone, and the first base position has become yet another black hole in the Yankees' lineup.

Still, don't expect to see Ben Rice succeed Goldschmidt as the everyday starting first baseman. Giancarlo Stanton's presence means Goldschmidt can't become the full-time DH, especially because Stanton's outfield days are long behind him.

And, no, the Yankees likely won't be trading Goldschmidt ahead of the July 31 deadline. Goldschmidt is here to stay, and the Yankees need to hope he can help right the ship before it's too late.

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

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