Paul Goldschmidt. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Yankees hoping former MVP Paul Goldschmidt has bounce-back season

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Feb 13, 2026 12:30 AM ET

After an early playoff exit in 2025, the New York Yankees are bringing a former MVP back in hopes he can find his stroke again.

Late Thursday night, the Yankees officially announced they have re-signed first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Financial terms are not yet known, but Goldschmidt, 38, will return to the Bronx on a one-year deal.

Paul Goldschmidt is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career

Even though Goldschmidt is on the heels of the worst full season of his career — he hit only 10 home runs with 45 RBI in 146 games — there's always the chance he turns back the clock and returns to form from his time in the National League.

Before signing with New York in December 2024, Goldschmidt had spent eight years with the Arizona Diamondbacks and then six with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Goldy goes back to the Bronx pic.twitter.com/AudeKQ5dCt
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) February 13, 2026

Paul Goldschmidt was an MVP just four years ago

While he made his name and enjoyed several of his best seasons with Arizona, Goldschmidt was named the National League's MVP in 2022 with St. Louis. During his MVP campaign, Goldschmidt hit .317 with 35 home runs, 41 doubles, 115 RBI, 178 total hits and 106 runs scored. He was a 7.7 bWAR player and registered an OBP of .404, a slug of .578 and an OPS of .981, leading the league in the latter two categories.

In fact, Goldschmidt has crushed at least 30 home runs in a season seven times, with his career-high being 36 from his first of his seven All-Star selections.

Over 15 years in MLB, he has 372 homers, 1,232 RBI with a career .288 batting average and a .378 OBP.

No matter what, Paul Goldschmidt can provide solid defense

Mostly known for his bat in his prime, Goldschmidt even won four Gold Gloves. But of course, the Yankees are counting on more than just stellar defense when out in the field.

Goldschmidt doesn't have to produce like an MVP for the Yankees to be a contender — they were 94-68 during the 2025 regular season. Aaron Judge, the American League MVP in three out of the last four years, already fills that role admirably.

However, a bounce-back season would make the Yankees lineup that much more potent. Either way, Goldschmidt seems like a low-risk signing, assuming the money is right.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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