Yankees need to avoid benching this former MVP against lefties

On Thursday night, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone made a perplexing move, keeping veteran first baseman and 2022 NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt on the bench against Boston Red Sox lefty starter Connelly Early. This was contrary to what Boone said he would do, but he did clarify his evolving strategy, explaining his support for Ben Rice, who can play both first base and backstop. 

Goldschmidt made an appearance in the eighth inning to face Aroldis Chapman, resulting in a base hit. It was Goldschmidt's second single off Chapman in the AL wild-card series. Chapman was able to pitch around the leadoff single, recording three straight strikeouts to end the inning.

The Yankees should value Paul Goldschmidt more

Truth be told, all worked out fine for the Yankees, who will be playing in the ALDS on Saturday. But going forward, it seems with his recent actions that Boone may be in danger of undervaluing Goldschmidt’s success against southpaws in favor of the more powerful lefty bats in Rice and Austin Wells. Goldschmidt’s 10 home runs in the regular season haven’t left as compelling an impression as the duo that each notched over 20 home runs in 2025. Still, his numbers against left-handed pitchers easily trounce what Wells and Rice have produced. Below are their splits against left-handed pitchers in the 2025 regular season:

Make no mistake, this isn't a knock against Rice or Wells. Rice’s power has lifted the Yankees in numerous games, and Wells has had his heroic moments. Their presence on the roster gives Boone a beneficial problem to work with. However, it’s hard to argue with Goldschmidt’s results.

In the AL wild-card round, he went 3-for-5 with all five of his plate appearances coming against Garrett Crochet and Chapman. It’s only a sample size, but still an excellent record against two of the most dreaded southpaws in the game. Goldschmidt’s postseason record is also exceptional, hitting .278/.364/.577 with eight home runs in 97 postseason at-bats.

There are always trade-offs in benching one player or another. But if the Yankees are going to continue enjoying postseason success, giving Goldschmidt every opportunity to capitalize on left-handed pitching might be a necessity. Goldschmidt finished the regular season hitting .274/.328/.403 with 10 home runs in 489 at-bats.