Mariners, Nationals, Mets are interested in Paul Goldschmidt

The veteran first baseman appears to be drawing a lot of interest as a free agent. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the Yankees, Giants, Mariners, Nationals and Mets are all looking at him. The connections to the Yankees and Giants have already been covered on MLBTR, as has the Tigers’ interest.

Heading into the winter, the free agent market offered several interesting options for first basemen, but their respective ages gave them different earning potential. As part of the annual MLBTR ranking of the top 50 free agents Pete Alonso was the best first baseman. He is now 30 years old and was promised a five-year contract worth $125 million. Christian Walkerentering his age-34 season, had a projection of three years and $60 million. Goldschmidt, now 37, was scheduled to receive $15 million on a one-year deal. Veterans like Justin Turner And Carlos Santana didn’t crack the list, but should also be considered for one-year contracts.

Earlier today, the Astros carved out the middle of that market. Walker has reportedly agreed to sign the exact three-year, $60 million deal with Houston that MLBTR predicted. For clubs still looking for help at first base, there is now a clear divide between the expensive option in Alonso and several other, cheaper options. Alonso also rejected a qualification offer, so he will also be linked to the penalties associated with signing such a player, which depend on whether a club has paid competition balance tax that year or is a revenue sharing recipient.

Regardless of how clubs feel about Alonso, some of them simply won’t be candidates who will make such a big splash in free agency. For those looking to make a modest initial investment, Goldschmidt is an interesting candidate.

In 2022, Goldschmidt was still one of the best players at the position. That year, he was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player by hitting 35 home runs, drawing walks at a rate of 12.1% and stealing seven bases. He slashed .317/.404/.578 for a wRC+ of 175 and posted 6.8 wins above replacement, according to FanGraphs calculations.

But the last two years have been far less impressive. He had a .268/.363/.447 batting line and 122 wRC+ in 2023. Last season it was just .245/.302/.414 and a 100 wRC+, exactly league average. His 7.2% walk rate was the worst of his career. His 26.5% strikeout rate was a personal high, excluding his rookie debut in 2011.

Of course, this downward trend is a bit discouraging, but Goldy has a strong track record and at least finished 2024 strong. After hitting .230/.291/.373 for an 87 wRC+ in the first half, he posted a .271/.319/.480 line and 120 wRC+ in the second half. The Cardinals aren’t bringing him back because they’re moving to a reset year, which involves a reduction in payroll. It also means more playing time for younger players like catchers Ivan Herrera And Pedro Pageswhat urges Willson Contreras to first base.

The Mariners rarely spend much when it comes to free agency and are working with budget constraints this offseason. They reportedly currently have about $15 million in headroom. There are rumors that they are thinking about it Luis Castillo Trade offers as a means of creating additional headroom, but even in this scenario they would not be a suitable suitor. They’re looking to add multiple infielders, and a Castillo move could lead to them potentially looking for a rotation addition as well.

Goldschmidt fits well into their offseason plans as they are looking for a right-handed hitting veteran first baseman. They were rumored to be linked to Turner and Santana this offseason, as well as Walker before he agreed to his new deal with the Astros. Goldschmidt is another option they could consider, as he would require less of an investment than Walker, although probably more than Turner or Santana.

MLBTR’s $15 million projection for Goldschmidt is exactly what the M’s reportedly need to spend. That wouldn’t leave them any money to get the other infielder they want, probably a third baseman, although perhaps the trade market out there could help them.

The Nationals have been rebuilding for some time, but may be ready to get back into contention. Their roster has begun to fill with exciting young talent, but president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo said back in September that adding mid-range bats was a priority this winter.

Such an addition doesn’t have to be the first place, but it would be the most logical place for it. They have a lot of exciting young players in the outfield. CJ Abrams And Luis Garcia Jr. appear to be in the middle infield. Outlook Brady House is a potential third baseman of the future.

But first, the Nats dedicated most of their playing time Joey Gallo, Joey Meneses And Juan Yepez this year. The club declined a common option on Gallo, while Meneses was completely ruled out and has since signed a minor league contract with the Mets. Yepez is still in the squad, but is probably seen as more of a role player than a regular guy. The Nats also don’t have a strict designated hitter and could theoretically have plenty of at-bats that could be shared by Yepez and Goldschmidt or another outside addition.

The Mets technically have an open first base spot, but it would be a surprise if they filled it with Goldschmidt. Alonso has been a mainstay there for years and many in the baseball world expect the Polar Bear to end up back in Queens. If Alonso ends up elsewhere, it is expected that the Mets would move Mark Vientos at third because his defense at the hot corner isn’t particularly valued. That could allow them to go after someone like him Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado.

However, it’s clear that president of baseball operations David Stearns loves short-term deals. Last winter he signed ten free agents, nine of whom received one-year contracts. Sean Manaea got two years, albeit with an opt-out, which he eventually triggered.

This winter it was thought that he would increase the aggressiveness. The 15 year old Juan Soto The deal is certainly qualified, but Stearns has paired this with a series of far more modest moves. Despite having seemingly unlimited financial resources, he has signed one-year contracts Griffin Canning, Jared Young, Dylan Covey And Justin Hagenmana two-year contract for Frankie Montas and a three-year contract with an opt-out Clay Holmes.

Signing Goldschmidt to replace Alonso would likely mean Vientos would stay at third base for another year, but that was tolerable in 2024, and he’s only 25, so maybe he’ll ease up a bit with more experience improve. Boys like Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio And Luisangel Acuna could perhaps break into the infield mix later this year and solidify the infield group for 2026 and beyond.