As the 2024 offseason made way, it was clear that the New York Yankees had one big priority. That priority was Juan Soto. However, after Soto’s jersey was swapped, the Yankees quickly needed to fill in 1st base. It seems, however, that what the Yanks were hoping for didn’t happen.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Was What the Yankees Likely Wanted
Now, the Yankees probably don’t see Paul Goldschmidt as some terrible player. However, it was clear to New York that this 37-year-old first baseman wasn’t the man of the future. Instead, it felt that New York was hoping for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. once the star hit free agency. After not acquiring Shohei Ohtani and, of course, Soto, the next big thing was going to be Vladdy. Since Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s father had played for the Yanks, it was probably reasonable to hope for a big get.
Goldschmidt was likely just a get through 2025 player until the Yanks got their opportunity to try and sign Vladdy. However, now, the Yankees don’t really know what to do thanks to the fact that Vladdy signed a massive extension with Toronto. This pretty much leaves the Yanks with an aged first baseman who has stated to die down after a great start to the season.
The Yankees Missed Out on Pete Alonso
The one player that the Yankees could’ve probably easily got was Pete Alonso. Alonso is a player who pretty much got no one wanting to sign him. No one thought Alonso was worth more than $ 20 million a year. What Alonso wanted was probably a long-term deal worth more than just $ 20 million a year. If the Yankees wanted to, New York could have signed Alonso to such a deal easily. The thing is, Alonso is a player who has some of the biggest power in the league.
If the Yankees even ended up with Alonso instead of Guerrero Jr., then what is there to complain about? Alonso and Aaron Judge in the same lineup would be a major problem. Alonso is able to hit anywhere between 35 and 50 homers a year with over 100 RBIs. The Yankees’ decision to sign Goldschmidt might have been reckless considering how good Alonso has been this season. Alonso’s RBIs and homers have fallen a little bit over the end of June. However, everybody knows that Alonso will be back to form.
This is a Pretty Big Issue
Goldschmidt’s average was really good to begin the year. However, his average is starting to take a hit, which is what was going to happen. The problem is bigger than average however. Goldschmidt’s power is also pretty nonexistent and has continued to get worse since his MVP campaign in 2022. In 2023, Goldschmidt hit 25 homers with a considerable drop in batting average from .317 to .268. In 2024, Goldschmidt hit just 22 homers with another drop in batting average to .245.
This year’s average has been different, but the power has gotten worse. Now, Goldschmidt is on pace for 15 home runs, which is nothing compared to what the Yankees want. This problem is the offense has been pretty bad overall after a start that was great. The Soto-Judge duo last season is no longer there, which is only becoming a larger issue as time has moved on for New York.
Overall, the Yankees are still first in the AL East. However, the Yankees are just one game ahead of the Blue Jays. The Yankees have consistently been doing worse since their great start. A major issue is the offense and first base. This decision may be very costly.
Main Image: © Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
