First baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees have agreed to a one-year, $12.5 million deal, sources told ESPN. It pairs the 2022 National League MVP and seven-time All-Star with the American League champions in the midst of a significant overhaul.

The 37-year-old Goldschmidt was one of the most consistent hitters of his generation. Combining strength and patience, he hit .289/.381/.510 with 362 home runs in his 14-year career. He initially earned his four Gold Gloves through his skill, and between his time in Arizona and St. Louis, Goldschmidt was a popular figure.

In his first foray into free agency, Goldschmidt chose to join a Yankees team that is doubling its championship efforts after losing star right fielder Juan Soto to the New York Mets. The Yankees first signed left-hander Max Fried, then traded closer Devin Williams and outfielder Cody Bellinger, then hit the free agent market again to add Goldschmidt to their lineup.

Additionally, he is expected to help in the clubhouse and replace first baseman Anthony Rizzo, a veteran leader. Goldschmidt’s professional approach was evident early in his career as he went from an eighth-round pick out of Texas State to a two-time MVP runner-up with the Diamondbacks and an NL MVP with the Cardinals.

Goldschmidt followed that season with a solid showing in 2023, but suffered setbacks last year, hitting .245/.302/.414 with 22 homers and 65 RBIs in 154 games.

The deal, which is pending and first reported by YES Network, is a bet on a player of Goldschmidt’s caliber on a Yankees roster that also includes Bellinger, two-time MVP Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Jazz Chisholm Jr , can be successful. , Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe and rookie Jasson Dominguez.