MLB trade rumors: Why Yankees won't deal for Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt

by Felix Pantaleón

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is reshaping the roster for 2019. He already traded for Seattle Mariners left-hander James Paxton. But Cashman won’t be dealing for Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star third baseman Paul Goldschmidt, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman knows a good deal when he sees one.

That’s why he wasn’t afraid to trade top pitching prospect Justus Sheffield as part of the deal for Seattle Mariners left-hander James Paxton.

However there are still deals to be made, with the Clevaland Indians shopping Corey Kluber and the Arizona Diamondbacks putting Zack Greinke on the market.

The Diamondbacks also could move first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. But The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal says Goldschmidt won’t be coming to the Yankees:

The Yankees are not pursuing Goldschmidt. They already are too right-handed, particularly with shortstop Didi Gregorius expected to be out until at least June as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. And first base, at least at the moment, is not their priority.

Free-agent infielder Manny Machado obviously is a right-handed hitter, but the Yankees would be more inclined to make an exception for a player who, at 26, is five years younger than Goldschmidt and would be under long-term control. Goldschmidt is signed only through next season.

Hal Steinbrenner Q&A takeaways

The 31-year-old Goldschmidt has finished in the top six of National League MVP Award voting in four of the last six seasons. He’s a six-time All-Star and has hit at least 30 home runs in three of the last four seasons.

According to Spotrac, Goldschmidt is scheduled to make $14.5 million in 2019, after which he will become a free agent.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.