Ex-Cardinals slugger linked to Yankees after disappointing 2024 | Sporting News

The St. Louis Cardinals are set to enter a slight rebuild after missing the postseason for the second consecutive year in 2024. They finished 83-79 and tied for second place in a weak National League Central division.

Several players who were once seen as key pieces are likely going to be on the move this winter. One player who could be on his way out is slugger Paul Goldschmidt, who is now a free agent.

Tim Britton, Chad Jennings and Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic listed several possible fits for Goldschmidt in free agency, one of which was the New York Yankees.

“For the first time in his career, Paul Goldschmidt was classified as a below-average hitter, after posting career-worst numbers across the board. Just two seasons removed from a 177 OPS+ MVP campaign, Goldschmidt had a 98 OPS+ over 154 games. At 37 years old, he can still hit the ball plenty hard, but his once-excellent strike-zone control has deteriorated, with his strikeout rate jumping and walk rate plummeting.

That’s typically a very bad sign for a late-30s slugger, but the seven-time All-Star continued to feast on lefties and the Hall of Fame-caliber résumé should convince some contenders to pursue a bounce-back bet with a relatively modest one-year deal.”

The Cardinals are likely going to focus on development in 2025 rather than improving their Major League roster, so it’s highly likely that Goldschmidt does not return, especially after news broke that Willson Contreras would be moving to first base.

The Yankees need a first baseman after declining Anthony Rizzo’s club option, and Goldschmidt could fill that role for the Bronx Bombers.

The Cardinals also have Alec Burleson, Brendan Donovan and Luken Baker who can play first base, so they are likely well set at that position.

It will be interesting to see where Goldschmidt ends up.

More MLB: Cardinals’ 10-time Gold Glover reportedly open to a change of scenery