Paul Goldschmidt is about to try something completely new in his 14th MLB season — batting leadoff for the Yankees.
The veteran slugger has never hit from the top spot in 1,928 career games, but that’s exactly where New York plans to use him against left-handed pitching this season. It’s a strategic move to create a formidable 1-2 punch with Aaron Judge lurking in the second spot.
Goldschmidt’s resume speaks for itself. He’s an MVP winner, four-time Gold Glove recipient, has stolen 32 bases in a season, and posted seven 30+ home run campaigns. Now he’ll add “table-setter” to his list of accomplishments.
“It was kind of fun, and obviously it was a little different,” Goldschmidt said after Saturday’s spring game. “For me, I just try to take the same at-bat I always take. I’ve hit in a lot of different positions in my career. It’s not really different, no matter where you’re hitting. I think by the time you get in the box, you just get in there and compete, and try to have a good at-bat.”
The first baseman believes he hasn’t hit leadoff since his high school days. That makes sense for a player with his career .289/.381/.510 slash line — those numbers traditionally belong in the heart of the order.
But baseball’s approach to the leadoff spot has evolved. Teams now prioritize on-base ability and even some power at the top. The Yankees are fully embracing this philosophy, as they’re also considering catcher Austin Wells to lead off against right-handed pitching — something no Yankees catcher has ever done in franchise history.
What matters most is that Goldschmidt seems comfortable with the experiment.
“It was kind of fun,” he told NorthJersey.com. “A little different.”
