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The person spoke to the AP on condition of
anonymity because the agreement was subject to a successful
physical.
Goldschmidt would become the Yankees' fourth significant
addition since Juan Soto's departure for the New York Mets after
left-hander Max Fried, closer Devin Williams and
outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. Goldschmidt's addition
likely means Bellinger will be primarily an outfielder.
The Yankees still may be looking for a third baseman along with
left-handed relievers: There are no lefty relievers on their
40-man roster.
A seven-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner and the 2022
NL MVP, the right-handed Goldschmidt joins fellow MVPs Aaron
Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Bellinger on the Yankees.
Goldschmidt became a free agent after completing a $130 million,
five-year contract with St. Louis.
He spent his first eight seasons with Arizona and his last six
with the Cardinals, slumping to a career-low .245 average last
season with 22 homers and 65 RBIs. He revived his numbers late
in the season, batting .283 with seven homers and 25 RBIs from
July 28 on.
Goldschmidt hit .295 with five homers, 16 RBIs and a .839 OPS in
167 plate appearances against left-handers this year and .230
with 17 homers, 49 RBIs and a .675 OPS in 487 plate appearances
against righties.
He is a .289 career hitter with 362 homers and 1,187 RBIs for
the Diamondbacks (2011-18) and Cardinals (2019-24). Goldschmidt
batted .317 with 35 homers, 115 RBIs and a .981 OPS in 2022.
New York also finalized a one-year contract with right-hander
Jonathan Loáisiga, a deal that includes a club option for 2026.
Pitching coach Matt Blake said this week the 30-year-old
right-hander could return in late April or May from Tommy John
surgery last May 1.
“I imagine him being one of the high-leverage guys,” Blake said.
“Obviously, we got to take some time to get him right, make sure
we don’t rush him into competition.”
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