Former Diamondbacks great Paul Goldschmidt wants to keep playing
After 16 MLB seasons, Paul Goldschmidt does not sound like he is ready to hang it up.
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With the New York Yankees suffering an American League Division Series sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, thus ended the 16th season of first baseman Paul Goldschmidt’s decorated career.
When asked by reporters in the Yankee Stadium clubhouse about his future, the former longtime Arizona Diamondbacks great was clear that he wants to keep going.
“I’d like to continue playing, so we’ll see if that opportunity happens,” Goldschmidt told reporters. “I had a lot of fun playing here. … I enjoy playing and enjoy competing and try to impact a team and help us win. I was able to do that somewhat, but not ultimately get us with the group of guys here to win. My mindset really has not changed. Hopefully be able to have a chance to do that again and hopefully win a championship.”
"I'd like to continue playing so we'll see if that opportunity happens."
Paul Goldschmidt met with @M_Marakovits and the media in the clubhouse after the ALDS loss. pic.twitter.com/sI8V4qUQ9S
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) October 8, 2026
Goldschmidt is 39 years old, having made his MLB debut for the D-backs in 2011.
He spent the past two years with the Yankees, signing a one-year, $4 million deal to return to the Bronx last offseason. The Diamondbacks had interest in a reunion but ultimately signed Carlos Santana as a veteran first base option.
Goldschmidt hit for a slash line of .252/.313/.452 (.765 OPS) in 2026 with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs in 105 games played. He hit for a .967 OPS against lefties and a .590 OPS versus righties.
He tied for third on the Yankees in home runs, providing pop for a lineup that missed Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton for most of the season due to injuries.
Goldschmidt gave a rave review of his time in New York when asked about wanting to come back.
“I don’t know if there’s anyone who loved being a Yankee more than me,” Goldschmidt said. “I love the guys in this clubhouse, I loved living in New York, but you don’t really know what the future holds. … We’ll see what happens.”
Goldschmidt is nearing the 400-home run milestone at 390. He is also 10 doubles away from 500 for his career.
There have been only 23 players in MLB history with 400 home runs and 500 doubles, a list that includes Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr. and Albert Pujols. There are 59 players in the 400-home run club.
The Diamondbacks will be back in the market for a first baseman this offseason, although ideally for a left-handed hitter who can alleviate some of the team’s woes against right-handed pitching.
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Comments
1 Comments
Signing Goldy over Santana this past year would probably gives us at least enough wins to get into the playoffs this year.
That being said, I don't want Goldy back here next year on a retirement tour. He has been decently productive for pushing 40, but if next year is the year the wheels fall off, I don't want it to be here and to see our fans calling for him to be DFA'd. He's an DBack legend and thats how he should be remembered when he does decide to retire.