On February 6, reports emerged via ESPN that the New York Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt, a veteran first baseman and seven-time All-Star, to a one-year contract for the upcoming season. Goldschmidt, who hit .274 with an on-base plus slugging (OPS) of .731 last year, showed a pronounced split in performance—excelling with a .981 OPS in 168 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers but struggling to a .619 OPS in 366 plate appearances against right-handers.
Goldschmidt’s return marks the sixth re-signing by the Yankees from last season’s roster, joining Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Amed Rosario, Ryan Yarbrough, and Paul Blackburn.
Impact on Ben Rice’s Playing Time as Season Approaches
As the 2026 season nears, New York baseball insider Jon Morosi discussed how Goldschmidt’s arrival could affect Ben Rice, the 26-year-old who is entering his third Major League campaign. Morosi noted that Rice still appears set to be the primary first baseman, particularly against right-handers, but Goldschmidt’s left-handed hitting adds a valuable dimension to the Yankees’ lineup.
I would say that Ben Rice still enters spring as the predominant first baseman, especially against right‑handed pitching,
Morosi said on MLB Network.
And yet when you consider what Goldy can do [with his] very robust .731 OPS. Still very good, especially against lefties.
Morosi further emphasized Goldschmidt’s likely role against left-handed pitching, saying,
I would say against pretty much every lefty that you face, if you’re the New York Yankees, Goldy is in the lineup somewhere. Now, of course, that could also be at DH depending on what [Giancarlo] Stanton’s role is on a particular day, and [Aaron] Judge as well.
Last season, Ben Rice posted a .255 batting average with 26 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 74 runs scored over 138 games, illustrating the Yankees’ expectation for him to build on that foundation despite Goldschmidt’s presence.
Goldschmidt’s Role Strengthened by Division Matchups
Morosi highlighted the strategic advantage Goldschmidt provides in the American League East, especially given the presence of Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet. Facing tough left-handed pitching in the division makes Goldschmidt’s bat particularly valuable to the Yankees’ chances.
You like what the Yankees have put together overall. And if you think about the American League East, you’ll have to deal with Garrett Crochet whenever you would expect in most series against the Boston Red Sox. So very valuable indeed to have Goldy’s bat in there against every lefty and some righties as well.
Yankees Viewed as Contenders Despite Quiet Offseason
With Goldschmidt returning and several other players from last season’s team back on the roster, MLB Network Radio contributor Jeff Joyce expressed cautious optimism about the Yankees’ postseason prospects as the 2026 season looms. Joyce noted that if pitchers Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón remain healthy, the Yankees could boast their strongest rotation in recent years.
I know that everyone’s down on the Yankees, but going into this season, if [Gerrit] Cole and [Carlos] Rodón come back healthy, they’ve probably got the best rotation they’ve had in a while, as far as postseason potential,
Joyce said in a January 31 video for MLB Network Radio.
Lineup-wise, they feel like they’ve got more pieces around [Aaron] Judge than they’ve had in a while, even though it still feels a little bit short going down. So I will still call them a contending team, a championship-caliber team.
While Joyce acknowledged some reservations about the left side of the infield, he believes recent years have seen improvement and the team remains positioned to compete at a high level.
I’d like to see one bat added, because the left side of the infield doesn’t excite me. But I do feel like the last couple of years have at least been better, and given them a better opportunity than they were doing more in the earlier 2020s, 2021 through 2023.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities for the Yankees
Paul Goldschmidt’s return adds an experienced left-handed slugger to the Yankees’ lineup, targeting tough left-handed pitching within the division and elsewhere. At the same time, Ben Rice remains the favored option to handle first base duties, particularly against right-handed pitchers. This balance underscores the Yankees’ strategic approach to managing their roster and maximizing offensive production.
With key pitchers expected back and a mixture of veteran and emerging talent, the Yankees approach the 2026 season with optimism tempered by cautious reflection on team weaknesses. How the roles settle and contributions unfold throughout spring training and the regular season will be crucial for a franchise aiming to contend in the competitive American League East.
“I would say against pretty much every lefty that you face, if you're the New York Yankees, [Goldschmidt] is in the lineup somewhere…”@jonmorosi dives in on Paul Goldschmidt returning to the Yankees on a one-year deal and what it means for Ben Rice's playing time. pic.twitter.com/jbZN3vstZU
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 9, 2026
"I will still call the Yankees a contending, championship caliber team."
Where do the #Yankees stand in the AL East come Opening Day?
🔗 https://t.co/iXax8hx4iO pic.twitter.com/2Tli89yU6X
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 31, 2026
