Paul Goldschmidt landing spots: 3 potential destinations for 7x All-Star as Cardinals part ways with veteran slugger
Paul Goldschmidt is set to hit free agency this offseason after his five-year, $130 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. After spending six seasons in St. Louis, Goldschmidt could move to a different environment when the calendar hits 2025.
Apart from Pete Alonso and Christian Walker, there are no highly acclaimed first baseman free agents set to be available this offseason. This could mean good interest in Goldschmidt among teams with the possibility of a short-term deal.
3 destinations for 7-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt
1) New York Mets
Losing Pete Alonso would be hard for Citi Field fans to swallow, but a veteran addition in Paul Goldschmidt could cushion the blow. Goldschmidt is a big name in baseball and if the Mets wish to contend next season with a lower-budget option at first base, the former St. Louis slugger is the man to go after.
Moreover, the goals are the same for both Goldschmidt and the Mets: Win the World Series, so there's a chance something materializes this offseason.
2) New York Yankees
Another New York-based team that will likely be in the race for the former NL MVP is the Yankees. The fit seems perfect if Anthony Rizzo's $17 million 2025 club option isn't exercised by the club.
And while new faces are coming up in the ranks for the Yankees, such as Ben Rice, Goldschmidt's 22 homers and 65 RBIs in 2024 represent better production, even in a year where he seemingly struggled.
3) Milwaukee Brewers
Cardinals fans will not be happy to see Paul Goldschmidt hitting against them if the first baseman decides to join their NL Central rivals. USA Today's Bob Nightengale has already reported a spark between the two parties.
"The Milwaukee Brewers are keeping a close eye on St. Louis Cardinals veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt if the Cardinals opt not to bring him back. They still believe there’s plenty left in the tank," Nightengale reported.
There's weight to this since first baseman Rhys Hoskins might decide to opt out of his two-year, $34 million deal considering the weak market on offer this offseason. This would mean a void at first base and knowing what Paul Goldschmidt has done over the years, a move for him is likely this offseason.