Paul Goldschmidt to the Yankees?

The New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman is regarded as one of the better GM’s in Major League Baseball. Over the last few seasons, Cashman has made it evident he knows a good deal when he sees one.

Cashman proved this on November 19, shipping out the Yankees number one prospect Justus Sheffield to Seattle for James Paxton. Cashman, realizing the Yankees are ready to compete for a championship right now, struck a deal that could help the bombers win in the present versus waiting for a potential prospect to pan out in the future.

There are many star players on the trade market this off-season. The Cleveland Indians are shopping ace Corey Kluber, and the Arizona Diamondbacks are informing teams of their intent on trading Zach Greinke. The San Francisco Giants also recently opened up on the possibility of trading Madison Bumgarner.

The Diamondbacks are also interested in moving all-star first basemen, Paul Goldschmidt. Before the Yankees traded for Paxton, it was reported the Bombers were pushing Sheffield to the Diamondbacks in a potential deal for Goldschmidt.

A new report from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal says not to expect Goldschmidt to be wearing pinstripes next season. According to Rosenthal, the Yankees are not pursuing Arizona’s first basemen.

It could be a smart move for New York. The Yankees lineup is already right-hand dominant, especially with Didi Gregorius out until at least June as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. First base is currently not the team’s top priority as the Yankees are still chasing another starting pitcher and relief arms.

If the Yankees are already right-hand heavy in the lineup, why are they interested in Manny Machado? Despite Machado hitting from the right side, the Yankees are more likely to make the exception for a player who is 26, five years younger than Goldschmidt, and one who would be under long-term control. Goldschmidt is set to become a free agent next year.

There is. however, certainly a case for Goldschmidt.

He would solidify a position for the Yankees that has been suspect since Mark Teixeira retired. “Goldy” has finished in the top six of the National League MVP award voting in four of the last six season. In his eight year career, he’s been named to the All-star team six times. The right-hander has also hit at least 30 home runs in three of the last four years. He has the ability to hit for average and is an above-average base runner for his position.

Goldschmidt would help the Yankees, but giving up a slew of prospects for a rental player is not in Brian Cashman’s and the Yankees cards.