How will Goldschmidt's return integrate with Rice? The New York Yankees plan their 2026 season strategy

The New York Yankees are confident that Ben Rice’s offensive production, especially versus left-handed pitchers, will keep rising in his second full major league season. Despite this, the team remains eager not to pass up on former NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt.

The 38-year-old Goldschmidt has agreed to a one-year contract worth $4 million, with an additional $2 million in performance-based incentives. Although the signing has not been officially announced, manager Aaron Boone has already discussed Goldschmidt’s return on SiriusXM’s MLB Network Radio show.

“This does make roster construction a bit more complicated,” Boone told hosts Jim Bowden and Jim Duquette, “but to complete the roster with a truly outstanding player, we felt it was necessary.”

Goldschmidt was highly effective against left-handed pitching last season, posting a slash line of .336/.411/.570 (50 hits in 149 at-bats), including 14 doubles and 7 home runs. His .981 OPS against lefties ranked sixth in the majors.

Boone hinted that the four-time Gold Glove winner might play in most games against left-handed pitchers and serve as a defensive substitute in late innings. Overall, Goldschmidt appeared in 146 games last season, batting .274/.328/.403 with 31 doubles, 10 home runs, and 45 RBIs.

“Given that our lineup has many left-handed hitters, we wanted to add another player who still excels against left-handed pitching at this stage of his career,” Boone said. “Plus, his defensive skills and clubhouse presence make him the best teammate I’ve ever coached. He’s also a truly exceptional person.”

The Yankees had previously been linked to several right-handed free agents, including outfielders Randal Grichuk and Austin Slater, as well as infielder Ty France.

“Re-signing Goldschmidt isn’t a perfect fit in every way. You might prefer a more versatile right-handed outfielder,” Boone admitted, “but that’s often how things go. There will be changes throughout spring training and the season. Getting a player of his caliber, especially one who has played here and become part of the team’s culture, is a great day for us.”

Before Goldschmidt’s return, the Yankees had planned to try Amed Rosario at first base during spring training. That may still happen but more as a contingency plan.

Rice played in 138 games last season, posting a slash line of .255/.337/.499, hitting 28 doubles and 26 home runs, with 65 RBIs. Defensively, he mainly covered first base (50 games) and catcher (36 games).

The Yankees have consistently stated they intend to maintain Rice’s catching skills through bullpen catching and defensive drills during spring training. However, Boone revealed the team mostly views him as the third-string catcher behind Austin Wells and J.C. Escarra.

Goldschmidt’s return could alter this setup. Boone said that when facing tough left-handed pitchers, the Yankees might assign Goldschmidt to first base while Rice handles catching duties.

“We don’t think this will affect Rice because we firmly believe he is a star player,” Boone emphasized. “We expect him to be a key offensive force in the middle of the lineup for a long time.”