We have another new contributor – St Louis’ own Devon Polk. Here’s what he has to say about Paul Goldschmidt signing with the Yankees…
On 21 December 2024, the New York Yankees announced that Paul Goldschmidt had signed with their ball club on a one year/$12.5 million contract.
This move brings to an end what was a strong five-year tenure in St. Louis (2019-2024), where Goldschmidt would collect a Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, and, of course, the 2022 National League MVP award.
Last year, Goldschmidt had one of his worst years, not only as a Cardinal, but as a major-leaguer; he would end up slashing a career-low .245/.302/.414.
Goldschmidt is on pace to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but that is never a promise. Maybe a nice shiny World Series ring could turn the heads of voters though, as, while the Cardinals are still ‘trusting the process’, the Yankees are looking to return to the World Series after a very disappointing end to an incredible season in 2024.
By signing for one year with the Yankees, it’s an absolute win-win for both sides – Goldschmidt has a chance to prove to the entire league that he is still more than capable of hitting a baseball, and the Yankees don’t have to burden themselves and their payroll by making a long-term commitment to him.
Now listen, as a Cardinals fan, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hurt by the news. The Yankees? That’s like joining the Dark Side! However, I think any real fan of St. Louis knew that this move was coming. We were never going to re-sign him. He’s not old enough to have his retirement tour with us, and he didn’t play well enough to justify us giving him a new, multiple-year contract. Looking at the depth of the Cardinals’ roster anyway, it’s trending in the younger direction. It just didn’t make sense to keep him, and I completely understand.
What do the Cardinals do now?
With the departure of Goldschmidt, this leaves the Redbirds with a whole plethora of opportunities (if Nolan Arenado is still with the team in 2025, that is).
The most popular answer has been to move Willson Contreras to first base, install Ivan Herrera as the team’s new starting catcher and put Alex Burleson in the Designated Hitter spot. I would love to see Herrera play a full year at the catcher’s spot, and see Contreras not get injured anymore playing behind the plate. Letting Burleson rest in between innings and really develop that strong bat of his that we saw last season would help us on both ends of each inning.
However, if you want me to be honest, this is what I truly want and think should happen; let’s start with Contreras moving to designated hitter. At his age, if he’s not going to catch anymore, that’s okay. Let him focus on his bat, as he has consistently been our best hitter the last couple of years and is in desperate need of it. Just keep doing your thing, king. Next, keep Herrera as our starting catcher. I’m huge on this one. I think that he’s got a promising bat that should be starting in our everyday lineup for years to come. Get him adjusted for everyday play. Next, move Burleson to right field. I believe he is more of a first baseman-caliber player. However, you could have him platoon the corner outfield and have other outfielders, like Michael Siani and Lars Nootbaar, cover the ground that maybe he can’t get to. Again, another strong bat in the lineup that cannot be replaced.
So that brings the question, ‘What about Jordan Walker?‘. Well, here’s where we have some fun. Third base. It’s the perfect scenario – Walker is not a corner outfielder, never has been. He looks uncomfortable, and some would say that’s the reason he doesn’t look comfortable at the plate. He’s nervous and I don’t blame him. That’s when you have Nolan Arenado make the official switch to first.
In my eyes, our team captain absolutely has to be Arenado. Off the field, I believe he could very well play a huge mentor role for our next young and promising star. Walker is believed to be the future of our franchise, but if playing the corner outfield is an issue, there’s no way it can keep happening. That’s why you have someone like Arenado, who is one of, if not the, greatest defensive third basemen to ever play the sport to help coach and train Walker in said position.
Conclusion
Goldschmidt leaving St. Louis was unfortunately inevitable. However, this leads to many new and fun opportunities that the Cardinals can explore. If Arenado ends up getting traded, then that’s another discussion for another day, but for now, this is what we’ve got.
Devon Polk is a Cardinals fan and St Louis native. He can be found on Twitter @dailydoseofpolk.
Featured image – AP Photo/Alex Brandon
