Yankees Could Save On Pete Alonso By Signing Ex-Cardinals $130 Million Fan Favorite

Yankees Could Save On Pete Alonso By Signing Ex-Cardinals $130 Million Fan Favorite

The New York Yankees, with their storied history, iconic stadium, and dedicated fan base, are always at the forefront of Major League Baseball’s offseason rumors and trades. As they enter another competitive season, the franchise is poised to make strategic decisions that could shape their lineup for years to come. One of the most pressing needs for the Yankees is to address their first base situation. Currently, the team is linked with various potential solutions, one of the most notable being New York Mets’ star Pete Alonso, who could be a future target for the Yankees. However, there is a compelling case to be made that the Yankees could opt for a more cost-effective and equally impactful option: signing former St. Louis Cardinals first baseman, Paul Goldschmidt.

In this article, we will explore why the Yankees could save money by avoiding the hefty price tag of acquiring Pete Alonso and instead pursue the former $130 million Cardinals’ fan favorite, Paul Goldschmidt. We will discuss Goldschmidt’s skill set, his impact on the Cardinals, and why he could be an ideal fit for the Yankees in both the short and long term. Additionally, we will dive into the financial implications of the decision and how Goldschmidt could provide an immediate upgrade at first base while allowing the Yankees to allocate resources to other areas of their roster.

The Case for Pete Alonso: Power and Potential

Before we dive into the potential of Paul Goldschmidt joining the Yankees, it’s important to understand the allure of Pete Alonso. The slugger, known for his tremendous power, has been one of the most prolific home run hitters in recent years. A product of the University of Florida, Alonso quickly made a name for himself in the MLB, setting the rookie home run record with 53 home runs in 2019.

As of the 2024 offseason, Alonso’s name is frequently mentioned in trade rumors, as the Mets may be open to moving him in the right deal. Alonso is slated to make significant salary increases in the coming years as part of his arbitration eligibility, with his contract potentially surpassing $20 million annually, and he will be eligible for free agency in 2025. While Alonso’s home run power (he hit 40 home runs in 2023) is enticing, his strikeouts and inconsistent batting average may be a concern for some teams.

For the Yankees, signing Alonso would solidify their first base position and inject more power into an already potent lineup. However, the financial commitment required to acquire Alonso would be considerable. Between the trade cost (likely including top prospects and potentially an expensive contract extension) and the fact that Alonso is set to earn substantial money in arbitration, signing him could place a significant burden on the Yankees’ payroll.

Enter Paul Goldschmidt: A Former MVP with a Proven Track Record

In contrast, Paul Goldschmidt, while also a powerful hitter, brings a different skill set that could be just what the Yankees need to add stability and production at first base. Goldschmidt, a five-time Gold Glove winner and former National League MVP (2013), has been one of the most consistent and well-rounded players in baseball throughout his career.

Goldschmidt was acquired by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2019, and since then, he has continued to perform at an elite level. Over the past five seasons, Goldschmidt has posted a batting average of .295, hit 30 or more home runs in multiple seasons, and driven in over 90 RBIs in four of those years. Despite his age (he is currently 36 years old), Goldschmidt’s offensive and defensive capabilities have remained sharp, and he continues to be one of the top first basemen in baseball.

From a defensive standpoint, Goldschmidt is regarded as one of the best in the business. His five Gold Gloves attest to his stellar work at first base, where his fielding percentage and ability to scoop throws are well above average. On top of that, his leadership and clubhouse presence are widely praised, and his reputation as a consummate professional could fit seamlessly into the Yankees’ culture.

While Goldschmidt’s contract is substantial, he is set to earn $26 million in 2024, which may be more affordable than Alonso’s impending arbitration deal. Moreover, Goldschmidt’s contract has just one year remaining before he becomes a free agent, making him a potential rental player who would not come with the long-term financial commitment that Alonso would demand. The Yankees could thus sign him to a one-year deal or attempt to negotiate an extension based on his performance and the team’s long-term goals.

The Financial Picture: Why Goldschmidt Is a Smarter Financial Option

One of the primary advantages the Yankees could gain by signing Paul Goldschmidt over Pete Alonso is the financial flexibility it would provide. In recent years, the Yankees have been conscious of their luxury tax threshold, as their massive payroll has often placed them above the $230 million mark. While they have the resources to make big splashes in free agency, they also need to manage their finances in a way that allows them to address other areas of need.

If the Yankees were to acquire Pete Alonso, they would likely need to commit significant financial resources over the next several years. Alonso’s future salary demands could make him one of the highest-paid players on the team, and his contract could potentially outlast that of several core Yankees players. By signing Goldschmidt, the Yankees would essentially pay for an elite first baseman’s production for a single season or potentially longer, but without locking themselves into a multi-year financial commitment.

Additionally, Goldschmidt’s ability to perform well both offensively and defensively could save the Yankees money in other areas. While Alonso is a powerful bat, his strikeouts and inconsistency can lead to offensive streaks that put pressure on other parts of the lineup. Goldschmidt, on the other hand, offers a more balanced offensive profile, which could help alleviate the pressure on other sluggers like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Anthony Rizzo.

Goldschmidt’s contract and performance will likely be much more predictable than Alonso’s future salary demands. His contract runs through 2024, and with Alonso’s looming arbitration decisions, the Yankees could save significant funds by opting for the former Cardinals first baseman.

Goldschmidt’s Impact on the Yankees Lineup

While the financial savings are an important consideration, the Yankees would also benefit from Goldschmidt’s ability to impact the game in numerous ways. One of the most notable qualities of Goldschmidt’s game is his ability to get on base. Over his career, he has posted an on-base percentage (OBP) of .400, which would be a welcomed addition to a Yankees lineup that sometimes struggles to consistently get on base. Goldschmidt’s keen eye at the plate and approach to hitting would provide balance in the middle of the order, especially when paired with the power of Judge and Stanton.

Moreover, Goldschmidt’s versatility could also serve the Yankees well. He can hit for average, power, and is capable of driving in runs with his ability to take walks or make solid contact. His experience and leadership qualities would provide a calming influence in the clubhouse, especially if the team was going through rough stretches during the season.

From a defensive standpoint, Goldschmidt could be an upgrade over Alonso at first base. While Alonso has shown improvement defensively over the years, Goldschmidt remains one of the best fielders in the league at his position. His range and ability to handle difficult throws would solidify the Yankees’ infield defense and reduce the number of errors or misplays in crucial situations.

The Long-Term Outlook

While Paul Goldschmidt is in the latter years of his career, his skill set and leadership would make him a valuable asset for the Yankees in the short term. Should he remain productive in 2024, the Yankees could offer him a short-term extension or continue to evaluate other potential replacements for first base.

In contrast, if the Yankees were to acquire Alonso, they would likely need to secure his services for several years, which may limit their ability to make other roster moves. Given the evolving nature of the roster and the importance of long-term planning, Goldschmidt could be a bridge to a future solution at first base, while also offering a premium level of production in the meantime.

Conclusion

While Pete Alonso’s power bat is undoubtedly enticing, the New York Yankees may find more value and financial flexibility in signing Paul Goldschmidt, the former St. Louis Cardinals fan favorite. With his combination of power, on-base ability, and elite defense, Goldschmidt offers the Yankees a reliable option at first base for the 2024 season and beyond. Moreover, his contract situation allows the Yankees to save money while potentially investing in other areas of the roster.

In the ever-competitive world of MLB, making smart financial decisions is just as important as acquiring talent. By opting for Goldschmidt over Alonso, the Yankees could not only fill a key roster spot but also create the flexibility necessary to build a championship-contending team in the years to come.