The New York Yankees rebounded from a disappointing 2023 season by winning the American League East and making a World Series appearance in 2024.
However, despite a successful season, the Yankees lost one of their top players when free agent Juan Soto signed with the New York Mets for a massive $765 million over 15 years.
To compensate for Soto’s departure, the Yankees made several key additions to their roster, bringing in starting pitcher Max Fried, relief pitcher Devin Williams, and outfielder Cody Bellinger. These moves aim to strengthen the team as they look to remain competitive in the American League in 2025.
Despite acquiring Max Fried, Devin Williams, and Cody Bellinger, the New York Yankees are reportedly still looking to bolster their roster further, specifically at first base. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees are “focused” on acquiring two additional free agents. These moves would address the team’s first-base needs as they look to strengthen their lineup heading into the 2025 season.
The Yankees are reportedly targeting more affordable options to fill their first-base position, with veterans Paul Goldschmidt and Carlos Santana emerging as potential fits.
Goldschmidt, 37, has had a long MLB career since debuting with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011. In 2024, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, he appeared in 154 games, hitting .245 with 22 home runs, 65 RBIs, and a .716 OPS.
Santana, 38, entered the league in 2010 with the Cleveland Guardians and has played 15 seasons in the majors. Both players bring significant experience and could be valuable additions to the Yankees’ roster at a more cost-effective price point.
In 2024, Carlos Santana, now with the Minnesota Twins, played 150 games and posted a .238 batting average, 23 home runs, 71 RBIs, and a .749 OPS.
With both Santana and Paul Goldschmidt on their radar, the Yankees will have some key decisions to make as they search for a first baseman for the 2025 season. These two veterans could offer solid production at a more affordable cost as the team looks to strengthen their lineup.
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