Yankees force Rays hand with acquisition of another former MVP

Ever since Juan Soto's record-breaking deal with the New York Mets, the Yankees have been busy signing everyday players with the money they had set aside for their All-Star right fielder. In some ways, these deals could actually benefit the Yankees more than a lucrative signing of Juan Soto.

Yankees sign free agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year, $12.5 million deal

37-year old Paul Goldschmidt has agreed to a one-year contract with the Yankees. There are no options available in this deal for the former St. Louis Cardinal, so the 2025 season will be extremely important for his future in the MLB. However, he is definitely past his prime with his age crawling towards 40. Few players are able to perform at a high level into their late-30s. Goldschmidt may be a different story though.

Only two years removed from an MVP season with the Cardinals, the 7-time All-Star has been one of the most consistent players in the big leagues. In fact, since his debut with Arizona in 2011, Goldschmidt has produced the 4th most home runs in the entire league with 362 blasts. He has also driven in the 2nd most teammates in that span, behind only World Series MVP, Freddie Freeman. We are likely not going to see eye-popping numbers from Goldschmidt in 2025, but there's no question that he can help this strong lineup.

This successful offseason for the Yankees also saw them sign former MVP outfielder, Cody Bellinger. Both Bellinger and Goldschmidt haven't quite relived those unrivaled campaigns, but they will certainly be productive additions to a high-powered Yankees lineup.

Therefore, the Rays should answer back with another key offensive signing of their own before the closing of this offseason. We're aware that Tampa Bay can't compete with the Yankees in team payroll, but the Rays front office really needs to analyze scenarios where they can upgrade the offense, while staying within budget restrictions.

Nothing reminds Rays fans more about this outlying fact than watching the Yankees sign one high-profile player after another. Meanwhile, the Rays have stuck to their usual minor league acquisitions (which could play out better than expected) and the ever-essential agreement with veteran catcher, Danny Jansen. Hopefully Erik Neander and company aren't done making moves this offseason, especially to help their struggling lineup.