NEW YORK — First baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees agreed Saturday to a one-year, $12.5 million contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the agreement was subject to a successful physical.
Goldschmidt would become the Yankees’ fourth significant addition since Juan Soto’s departure for the New York Mets after left-hander Max Fried, closer Devin Williams and outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. Goldschmidt’s addition likely means Bellinger will be primarily an outfielder.
The Yankees still may be looking for a third baseman along with left-handed relievers. They have no lefty relievers on their 40-man roster.
A seven-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner and the 2022 NL MVP, the right-handed Goldschmidt joins fellow MVPs Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Bellinger on the Yankees. Goldschmidt became a free agent after completing a five-year, $130 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.
He spent his first eight seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks and his last six with the Cardinals, slumping to a career-low .245 average last season with 22 home runs and 65 RBIs. He revived his numbers late in the season, batting .283 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs from July 28 on.
Goldschmidt hit .295 with five home runs, 16 RBIs and a .839 OPS in 167 plate appearances against left-handers last season and .230 with 17 home runs, 49 RBIs and a .675 OPS in 487 plate appearances against righties.
He is a .289 career hitter with 362 home runs and 1,187 RBIs. Goldschmidt batted .317 with 35 home runs, 115 RBIs and a .981 OPS in 2022.
The Yankees also finalized a one-year contract with right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga, a deal that includes a club option for 2026. Pitching coach Matt Blake said this week that the 30-year-old right-hander could return in late April or May from Tommy John surgery last May 1.
“I imagine him being one of the high-leverage guys,” Blake said. “Obviously we got to take some time to get him right, make sure we don’t rush him into competition.”