Inside The Cardinals

Ex-Cardinals Slugger Proving To Be Steal Of Free Agency For Yankees

Paul Goldschmidt might be the steal of free agency.
Zach Pressnell|
May 9, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48) celebrates with team mates after hitting a home run against the Athletics during the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
May 9, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48) celebrates with team mates after hitting a home run against the Athletics during the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images | Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

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The St. Louis Cardinals made a tough decision in the offseason when they decided to let veteran and former MVP Paul Goldschmidt walk away in free agency. But the decision made sense. The Cardinals wanted to use Iván Herrera and Pedro Pagés as their everyday catchers, so Willson Contreras was sliding to first base. Goldschmidt had to go.

But, as the old saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Goldschmidt signed with the New York Yankees on a one-year, $12.5 million deal to replace veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo in the Bronx.

At the time, many Yankees fans saw this as a bit of a letdown because they wanted somebody like Christian Walker instead. Walker is a bit younger and seems to provide a much higher upside. But early in the season, the Yankees have proven to be correct in their decision to sign Goldschmidt because he looks to be the steal of free agency.

On the year, Goldschmidt is slashing .344/.394/.488 with an OPS+ of 149, 15 extra base hits, and almost as much WAR as he posted last season. It's the veteran's best campaign since his 2022 National League MVP season.

Meanwhile, Walker is struggling with the Houston Astros. He's slashing .213/.287/.353 with an OPS+ of 81. Walker is also signed to a three-year, $60 million deal while Goldschmidt is signed to a one-year, $12.5 million deal.

If Goldschmidt can continue to terrorize pitchers like he has, he's going to be looked at as the clear steal of free agency.

More MLB: Cardinals' $81 Million Star Pitcher Linked To NL Contender In Trade

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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "St. Louis Cardinals On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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