Yankees reportedly parting ways with $12M former MVP, 7-time All-Star, 4-time Gold Glover

Hunter Cookston

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Yankees reportedly parting ways with $12M former MVP, 7-time All-Star, 4-time Gold Glover image

The New York Yankees ended another postseason in pure disappointment. After overcoming a 1-0 deficit to defeat their rivals, the Boston Red Sox, in the AL Wild Card series, they advanced to the ALDS. However, it was another rival — the Toronto Blue Jays — who ultimately knocked them out of the playoffs. This marked the second consecutive year that the Yankees' season ended at Yankee Stadium.

“What's tough is for the Yankee fans, this is the second year in a row they've watched another team celebrate on their home field and you can feel the frustration,” former Yankee Derek Jeter said.

Manager Aaron Boone caught major criticism throughout the playoff run, with some even calling for his firing after the Game 1 loss to Boston. Still, Jeter came to Boone’s defense following the Yankees’ elimination.

“And he [Boone] sticks up for his players, I know he takes a lot of heat. But, I'm not saying it from any inside knowledge but I'm pretty sure Aaron is not the one that's calling every move that they make throughout the game,” Jeter stated on the air.

Looking ahead to the offseason, the Yankees have several tough decisions to make — one of which includes the future of veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. While there had been speculation about a potential retirement, Goldschmidt quickly shut that down.

“Paul Goldschmidt said he’d like to keep playing. ‘I love playing,’ he said,” MLB insider Jon Heyman wrote.

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Despite Goldschmidt’s desire to continue his career, there are growing indications that the Yankees will not bring him back.

“Goldschmidt will not be re-signed, as Ben Rice is the club’s first baseman of the future,” The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty wrote.

With Goldschmidt seemingly on the way out, it remains to be seen whether another team will take a chance on him. If he is signed, he’ll most likely serve as a bench piece or provide veteran leadership in the clubhouse.

Goldschmidt remains one of the best first basemen of his generation, and there’s no doubt he would prefer to end his career on a higher note than what this past season offered.

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Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.