Brewers would reportedly ‘love’ to sign 7-time All-Star slugger | Sporting News

Winners of three of the last four National League Central division titles, the Milwaukee Brewers are looking for ways to retool their lineup in hopes of snagging yet another divisional crown in 2025. 

To that end, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Brewers would “love to find a way” of signing free-agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

Goldschmidt was non-tendered by a St. Louis Cardinals organization seeking to shed some bloated veteran contracts this winter and presents a reliable option for a Brewers team that has had a revolving door at first base for several seasons running.

At 37 years old, Goldschmidt’s best seasons are certainly behind him, but on a one- or two-year deal, he still provides a formidable bat in the lineup that can also still deliver defensive prowess near the levels of his four Gold Glove seasons.

Just two years removed from his 2022 National League Most Valuable Player campaign, Goldschmidt’s production fell off to 22 home runs with 65 RBI and a .245 batting average. A far cry from 2022, but still palatable numbers for a team seeking a veteran influence. 

Spotrac projects Goldschmidt to be available on a one-year deal for approximately $12 million.

The fly in the ointment for Milwaukee is that the team already employs Rhys Hoskins at first base. Hoskins, who will be 32 before Opening Day, claimed his player option to stay with the Brewers this coming season at the price of $18 million. 

With Milwaukee having a glut of outfielders, Christian Yelich — who is coming off back surgery — is penciled in as the team’s designated hitter, according to FanGraphs, hence taking out a position that the Brewers could have had Goldschmidt and/or Hoskins play.

However, as noted by Sports Illustrated’s Stephen Mottram, Milwaukee might use Hoskins “as a trade chip” this winter.

More MLB: Blue Jays remain in the running to sign 4-time All-Star free agent