The Yankees are winning some and losing some this offseason. Their biggest loss was no doubt Juan Soto, and then, the team was eyeing Christian Walker, so what happened to that? Well, reports suggest that the club was unwilling to sign him due to his age. The first baseman is 37 years old, and with that age comes the fact that he will be prone to injuries. Moreover, the squad thought it was rather a large investment in Walker.

But if not Christian Walker, then who? Surprisingly, one name has emerged, and that is Paul Goldschmidt. Goldschmidt could be a good option, and given Aaron Judge’s history with the player, they’d make a good duo. Goldschmidt has just had his career’s worst season ever, but he can ‘bounce back.’ And if the pinstripes believe that he can, that’s all that is needed to seal the deal.

Moreover, the MVP is not only a huge fan of Judge but is also friends with him. Both the players first crossed paths in 2022 when they both got MVP honors; their connection grew when they shared the spotlight at the BBWAA awards dinner in New York City, where they exchanged mutual respect and admiration. This led to an offseason meetup that would deepen their friendship.

According to MLB.com’s John Denton, Goldschmidt made the drive from his offseason home in Jupiter to Tampa just to work out with Judge. “I’m just a big fan of his, and he’s one of the best hitters on the planet, so I was wanting to learn from him,” Goldschmidt said, adding, “Judge is one of the best people around, too, because everyone that’s ever played with him talks so highly about him.”

The two spent hours discussing baseball and their strategy. Acquiring Paul Goldschmidt would be a major win for New York, but the potential benefits might not stop there. If the 37-year-old can help persuade his former teammate, Nolan Arenado, to make the jump to the Bronx as well, the pinstripes could score a major win.

Acquiring Nolan Arenado could become easy

If the Yankees’ pursuit of veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is successful, he could play a major role in convincing his former Cardinals teammate. The Yanks are also considering adding Nolan Arenado, but he has a no-trade clause. If Goldschmidt can convince him to join him in New York, that’d be great, isn’t it? The Yankees did make an attempt to trade for Arenado earlier this offseason.

Unfortunately, their offer was shot down when the Cardinals showed no interest in taking on the contract of veteran right-hander Marcus Stroman. However, if both Goldschmidt and Arenado land in the Bronx, the Yankees could orchestrate a smooth infield makeover. Jazz Chisholm Jr. would shift from third to second base, while Anthony Volpe would remain at shortstop. This would be a major boost as they look to defend their 2024 AL Championship.

It looks like the Yanks took the Juan Soto loss to heart and are doing everything they can to strengthen their squad. Their first move? Securing left-hander Max Fried on a massive eight-year, $218 million deal. Their second move? Upgrading their bullpen with the addition of closer Devin Williams. Trading for Goldschmidt and Arenado would provide Aaron Judge with some serious veteran protection in the heart of the order.