Paul Goldschmidt has stepped into an everyday role for the New York Yankees and delivered strong results at the plate. The 38-year-old first baseman has hit 11 home runs in 2026, including six against right-handed pitchers. His production has helped the team win eight of its last nine games.
Goldschmidt signed a one-year, $4 million contract in the offseason expecting a limited role behind Ben Rice. He started just 10 of the first 42 games. A calf injury to Giancarlo Stanton opened regular playing time, and Goldschmidt has responded by hitting .330 with a .383 on-base percentage and .587 slugging percentage.
He went deep for the second straight game in a 10-5 win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. Goldschmidt also hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the ninth inning against Toronto Blue Jays closer Louie Varland on Saturday.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in Goldschmidt's ability to hit left-handed pitchers. Teammate Carlos Rodón called him a Hall of Fame player who is aging well. Goldschmidt said he has made no major changes and focuses on simple fundamentals.
Stanton was scheduled to return this week but suffered a setback and remains shut down indefinitely. Goldschmidt will stay in the lineup for the foreseeable future.
