The New York Yankees remain in a tight race at the top of the AL East, but one of their key veterans is showing signs of decline.
Paul Goldschmidt opened the season in impressive form, delivering strong offensive performances and playing a crucial role in the team’s early success. At 37, he appeared to defy age-related expectations, prompting speculation that he might continue producing at a high level.
However, that hot streak has come to an abrupt halt. Goldschmidt’s performance in June has been disappointing, with a sharp drop in his offensive numbers.
Over 291 at-bats this season, Goldschmidt has maintained a respectable .285 batting average with a .345 on-base percentage and .426 slugging percentage. Much of that, though, was built on his strong early-season form. Since the beginning of June, he’s hitting just .148 with a .216 OBP and .247 SLG, resulting in a .463 OPS that has hindered the lineup’s overall effectiveness.
In his last six games, Goldschmidt has managed just one hit, drawing increasing concern among fans and analysts alike.
“It’s hurting our team, the way I’ve played,” Goldschmidt admitted following a recent loss to Oakland.
Initially viewed as a stabilizing force in the Yankees’ batting order, Goldschmidt has not delivered the consistent power or on-base presence the team had anticipated. With other players such as Trent Grisham being inconsistent and Aaron Judge cooling off somewhat, the timing of Goldschmidt’s slump is particularly problematic.
While baseball is a sport known for its ups and downs, Goldschmidt’s struggles are raising alarms due to his age and the wear and tear of a long career.
Still, the Yankees are not ready to panic. Goldschmidt’s season-long numbers remain serviceable, and the team hopes his experience and approach can help him break out of this slump.
His one-year, $12.5 million contract was never meant to be a long-term fix. Instead, it was intended to provide a bridge — giving younger players like Ben Rice time to develop before stepping into a full-time role in 2026.
For now, the Yankees are betting that their veteran first baseman can adjust and find his rhythm before his struggles start impacting the team’s playoff hopes more significantly.
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