TAMPA, Fla — Pitchers and Catchers reported to Tampa Wednesday, and so did their newest re-sign, Paul Goldschmidt.

Goldschmidt returned to the Yankees last Friday on a one-year, $4 million deal. His role will be the backup first baseman to Ben Rice.

“It’s an amazing organization, amazing guys in that clubhouse.” Goldschmidt said Wednesday. “I can’t say enough great things. The goal here is to win a championship, that’s what we all want to do.”

“I had such a good time here. I was hoping my time wasn’t done.”

Thy are a better team with Goldschmidt playing against left-handers over their in-house options or were still on the free agent market. He offeres more than his offense against leftys, but a mentorship for Rice.

“I think Benny’s going to definitely be planning to get the bulk of the playing time over there.” He said. “And I’m definitely fine with whatever role they need me to [do].”

The Yankees as an orginization are high on Rice. Goldschmidt resigning will not take at-bats from him.

“I’m thrilled to get him back.” Manager Aaron Boone said. “I mean, just one of the best people I’ve ever had the chance to manage, and he was so, so good in our room, such a good performer on the field.

Obviously what he was against left handed pitching last year, and coupled with the moves we made at the deadline last year to have more of a presence against left handed pitching with all our left handed hitters. He balances out our roster so much so as far as playing we’ll see. I think he’s prepared for anything.”

The Yankees will break camp more equiped to handle left-handed pitching more now than in recent years. With the short porch in the Bronx, it should be a strenght for the Bombers. This is especially a point given the ammount of lefty starters in the AL East, the teams the Yankees need to beat.

The post Paul Goldschmidt Reveals Exclusive Details on His Critical 2026 Yankees Role appeared first on Matthew Nethercott.