Are the New York Yankees playing checkers and chess at the same time?
On Saturday, the Yankees signed aging seven-time All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year contract, filling an obvious hole in their lineup. It was a simple signing that made a lot of sense for the Yankees' hopes of contending in 2025.
But did Yankees general manager Brian Cashman already have something bigger in mind?
Because Goldschmidt is only under contract for one season, the Yankees could realistically be right back in the market for a first baseman next winter. The timing of another star's free agency could be at the forefront of Cashman's mind.
Later on Saturday, Lior Lampert of FanSided predicted that the Yankees' contract terms with Goldschmidt foreshadowed a strong push for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the Toronto Blue Jays' superstar first baseman, next winter as a free agent.
"There are no options in Goldschmidt's one-year, $12.5 million contract with New York. So, the organization ostensibly views the seven-time All-Star as a short-term replacement for Anthony Rizzo after the Yankees declined the latter's club option for 2025."
"Notably, the eventual successor is a premier infielder that could become available soon: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays."
Based on a recent poll of agents and executives conducted by Sportsnet's Shi Davidi, Guerrero may be in position to land a $500 million-plus contract next winter. The Yankees already tried to give that kind of money to Juan Soto this winter, so if they love Guerrero, it's conceivable they could be the team to pay him.
Are the Yankees operating under a "Guerrero or bust" mantra at this early stage in the game? Likely not. But he's certainly an attractive option for them as they try to build their first championship team since 2009, and Goldsschmidt's contract leaves the door open.