Could the New York Yankees actually cut ties with Paul Goldschmidt?
Earlier this season, Paul Goldschmidt appeared to be in the middle of a renaissance for the New York Yankees. He was so good, in fact, that he was even receiving All-Star buzz.
Back in May, Goldschmidt slashed .289/.372/.518 with five home runs and 15 RBI. Then, in June, he slashed .297/.321/.564 with eight homers and 22 RBI.
The Goldschmidt who won the NL MVP award with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022 appeared to be front and center, and while it definitely raised plenty of eyebrows given Goldschmidt's age, Yankees fans were here for it.
But here we are hurtling toward the end of August, and Goldschmidt has come crashing back down to earth.
The 38-year-old managed a paltry .495 OPS in the month of July, and in August, he has barely even seen the field, logging two hits over 15 plate appearances.
Goldschmidt has homered just twice since June, and considering New York's trade deadline acquisition of Luis Garcia Jr. coupled with the impending return of Giancarlo Stanton, it will be difficult for the Yankees to actually find playing time for the veteran first baseman.
New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Credit: USA TODAY Network.In fact, it's worth wondering if the seven-time All-Star could potentially be on the chopping block in the coming weeks.
The general consensus is that Amed Rosario will end up being the odd man out once everyone gets healthy, but he does provide New York with a decent bat at third base.
What exactly does Goldschmidt give the Yankees at this stage?
Yes, he is certainly superior to Ben Rice defensively, but Garcia has been getting the bulk of the reps at first base, anyway. And to be quite frank, he has done a fine job over there.
As far as hitting lefties? Stanton will be doing that in the DH role.
There really isn't any feasible spot for Goldschmidt on New York's roster with everyone available, and it makes you ponder whether or not the Yankees would actually cut him.
Goldschmidt is very well-respected in the locker room, and he brings plenty of experience to the table. But this is a results-driven business, and Goldschmidt hasn't produced positive results for the Bronx Bombers in quite some time.
It would be a shame, but there absolutely exists a world in which Goldschmidt could find himself on the unemployment line between now and October.
