The New York Yankees’ injured list is quite lengthy. It includes key players like Aaron Judge,
Giancarlo Stanton, and Trent Grisham. Most teams would have a harder time winning games.
However, despite missing those three players, the Yankees are currently in first place in the AL
East and have the best record in the American League. A big reason for their success is Paul
Goldschmidt, who’s seemingly turned back the clock and become an important offensive
contributor. He’s helped the Yankees stay competitive while the team waits for their stars to
get healthy.
During the offseason, Paul Goldschmidt had offers from other teams that included more money
and playing time. However, the 38-year-old decided to return to the Bronx on a one-year, $4
million deal. He came back with the understanding that he would have more of a mentorship
role. Ben Rice would be playing regularly at first base, Giancarlo Stanton was already
entrenched as the team’s designated hitter, and Goldschmidt’s playing time was expected to be
more limited. He was expected to serve as a veteran bench bat and receive most at-bats against
left-handed pitchers.
However, in late April, Giancarlo Stanton went down with a calf strain. This immediately forced
the Yankees to thrust Goldschmidt into a more regular role. Despite the abrupt change, the 38-
year-old has been enjoying an offensive resurgence. The former MVP is currently slashing
.301/.368/.560 with 11 home runs, 36 RBI, and an OPS of .928. Through June, Paul Goldschmidt
has looked more like the player who won an MVP award than a part-time bench bat. With
Stanton having suffered a setback in his recovery, the seven-time All-Star’s role is expected to
remain largely unchanged. With Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham on the injured list, Paul
Goldschmidt has become one of the Yankees’ most important bats, next to Cody Bellinger and
Ben Rice.
Goldschmidt’s offensive resurgence has helped offset the losses of Judge, Stanton, and
Grisham. This month, the Yankees are 9-4 and have won series against teams like the
Guardians, White Sox, and Blue Jays. That stretch has allowed them to take control of the AL
East while also owning the American League’s best record. Overall, the only teams with better
records than the Yankees are the Dodgers, Braves, and Brewers. For a team missing many key
players, New York’s early success this season has been impressive.
The Yankees have overcome many injuries in 2026. The last time the team lost Aaron Judge for
an extended period, their season unraveled badly. While Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice are having
All-Star-caliber seasons, this team wouldn’t be in this position without Paul Goldschmidt. His
career revival has helped anchor the offense and allowed the Yankees to capture the AL East’s
top spot.
