MLB trade rumors: Diamondbacks’ Paul Goldschmidt to Yankees?

by Felix Pantaleón

If the Arizona Diamondbacks deal away first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, the New York Yankees could be a perfect landing spot, as general manager Brian Cashman looks to upgrade the team for the 2019 season following their loss to the Boston Red Sox in the American League Division Series.

Remember when Yankees general manager Brian Cashman talked about building an ‘uber’ team in the Bronx?

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This could be the winter to make that a reality.

When the 2018 World Series ends, free agents such as Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, Clayton Kershaw and Patrick Corbin could hit the market for New York to bid on. Now we can add (at least) one All-Star-caliber trade candidate to the mix: Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

Last week, speculation of a fire sale in Arizona began. Now, a national insider is connecting the Yankees to a possible pursuit of Goldschmidt this winter.

As has been reported, the D-Backs will listen to offers on their best players, including Paul Goldschmidt. Most contenders are locked in at 1B for 2019; the Cubs have Rizzo, for example. Total speculation: One team that could be a great fit for a Goldschmidt deal — the Yankees.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 14, 2018

Goldschmidt, 31, is one of baseball’s best players and most anonymous stars. Since the start of 2012, the all-around first baseman owns a .299/.400/.534 slash line with 201 home runs. That’s come with excellent defense and base running. Goldschmidt’s 39.8 WAR over the last seven seasons is tied for second in the sport, trailing only Mike Trout.

Arizona fire sale

The right-handed slugger is coming off of a 5.4 WAR season and 139 OPS+ for Arizona.

The only downside for New York: Goldschmidt is set to be a free agent after the 2019 season, so any trade would be a one-year marriage barring a major contract extension.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.