David Bednar, Paul Goldschmidt, Kyle Schwarber, Will Smith, and Bobby Witt Jr. are the five players on the 2026 roster who were also part of Team USA‘s squad in 2023. After the Stars and Stripes fell at loanDepot park once again, those five players relived the heartbreak from 2023.

Once again, the Americans suffered a crushing defeat in Little Havana. Three years ago, it was Japan that walked away victorious. Now, Venezuela has captured its first World Baseball Classic title, while Team USA matched Puerto Rico’s total of two runner-up finishes. The Americans now hold a 1–2 record in World Baseball Classic finals.

When is the next World Baseball Classic?

Team USA will have its shot at redemption in 2030, as that’s when the next World Baseball Classic will be. Four years from now, Venezuela will have to defend its world champions crown. For the time being, though, the Venezuelans get to celebrate a historic conquest in Miami.

However, Venezuela and Team USA may run into each other again before 2030. In 2028, baseball will return to the Summer Olympics for the first time since 2020. Thus, both Venezuela and the U.S. could be in for a case of déjà vu, as they compete in a tournament where Japan enters as the reigning champion on American soil.

Updated World Baseball Classic winners

Goldschmidt and Judge are representing Team USA in the upcoming WBC, and their strong rapport has been evident since Goldschmidt joined the Yankees in 2025. Despite a productive 2025 season, Goldschmidt’s focus is now on supporting Judge and the team on the international stage.

“[Judge is] so selfless,” Goldschmidt told Michelle Margaux of Yankees Videos. “He has no ego. He cares about the team more than himself. Whether it’s with the Yankees, now Team USA, probably every team he’s ever played for. He’s the best leader I’ve ever been around just because he wants to make everyone better.”

Goldschmidt’s role with the Yankees

Goldschmidt signed a one-year, $4 million deal to remain with the Yankees this offseason. While his power numbers dropped slightly in 2025, the seven-time All-Star still finished with a .274 batting average, a .328 OBP, 134 hits, 10 home runs, and 45 RBIs.

Judge’s historic 2025 campaign

Aaron Judge captured his third MVP award last season, hitting .331 with a .457 OBP. He recorded 179 hits, 53 home runs, and 114 RBIs, leading the league in batting average.

Goldschmidt’s comments underscore Judge’s influence in the clubhouse and on the field, highlighting why Team USA is counting on him to guide the squad to a WBC title.

As the Yankees prepare for spring training games at the end of this week, Judge spoke to the media about the team’s prospects with Bellinger and Goldschmidt on board, noting that the team has kept these pivotal players to face the 2026 MLB season.

“A lot of guys have the opportunity to play their second year here, like Bellinger. We traded for him, and it’s going to be his second year with us. He’s acclimating to Yankee Stadium and this environment, much like Paul Goldschmidt, another crucial player we’ve brought back. He’s been a winner, an MVP, and he’s here to support our system alongside our young hitters. I’m excited about it… I like our chances with them,“ Judge told SNY.

With this endorsement from Judge ahead of the new season, Yankees fans are beginning to dream about the performance of a team whose primary goal this year is clear: winning the World Series, something they haven’t achieved since 2009.

Bellinger’s reflections on his offseason drama with the Yankees

Success this season won’t solely rely on Judge’s contributions; the synergy between the offensive players on the field will be crucial in making good things happen for the Yankees this season.

Cody Bellinger, in an intriguing twist, threw shade at the New York Mets after returning to the Yankees. Nonetheless, his commitment to the Yankees remains solid despite rumors linking him elsewhere.

Goldschmidt’s performance last season with the Yankees

Another key figure for the Yankees this season is Paul Goldschmidt, an experienced player who knows what it takes to shine. Although his stats with the Yankees last season were not his career best, they were sufficient for the front office to offer him another contract.

Paul Goldschmidt’s 2025 season stats:

• Games Played: 146
• At-Bats: 489
• Batting Average: .274
• Home Runs: 10
• RBIs: 45
• OPS: .731
• Stolen Bases: 5
• WAR (bWAR): 1.2

In a report by Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, Goldschmidt is embracing the new responsibility. “Goldschmidt is embracing his new role. He remembers when he wasn’t the smoothest first baseman during his minor-league days, and how he began to excel when he started giving it the same type of effort he put into his hitting…”

He added, “Goldschmidt said he had valuable infield coaches throughout the minors, but few of them had played first base every day and knew the nuances of the trade like the veterans.”

Goldschmidt sees potential in Ben Rice

Rice remains in the process of learning first base, with his offensive abilities already established, but his defense is the primary area of focus. Goldschmidt shared confidence in Rice’s skills: “I don’t know much about catching, but at first base, I think he’s got all the physical and mental skills to do it. As he gets more of an opportunity, he’s going to keep getting better.”

Rice to get ample reps in spring training

The Yankees plan to provide Rice with as many opportunities as possible during spring training to develop his defensive game. Goldschmidt’s guidance aims to accelerate Rice’s growth at first base while also fostering a culture of veteran leadership within the infield.

Goldschmidt, a proven hitter against left-handed pitching, is expected to serve as a key bench player. However, the Yankees are committed to keeping Rice as the everyday first baseman, with Goldschmidt providing strategic depth and flexibility.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed the plan, according to a report from Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. “(Goldschmidt’s) prepared for everything. Obviously, Ben Rice has earned that next step… I’m hoping that even goes up this year, but I see Goldy playing a big role, even if we are all healthy, but more of a role player if we’re all healthy.”

How Goldschmidt fits in

Boone emphasized that Rice will continue to handle the majority of first base duties, while Goldschmidt’s presence allows the Yankees to optimize matchups, especially against left-handed pitching.

The manager also noted that Rice may catch occasionally when Boone wants Goldschmidt in the lineup versus a lefty, as Giancarlo Stanton retains the designated hitter role.

Rice’s role for 2026

With a healthy roster, Rice is expected to start daily at first base and remain a central piece of the Yankees’ lineup. Goldschmidt’s return adds versatility, giving Boone options to rotate players and maintain offensive balance without disrupting the team’s established rhythm.

At the heart of that discussion is veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who re-signed last week and returns at 38 years old for what could be the final chapter of his distinguished career. His role will shift into a supporting one behind Ben Rice, with added value as a late-inning defensive presence and right-handed bat off the bench.

Goldschmidt did not shy away from the conversation. In fact, he acknowledged the simplicity of how the season may ultimately be judged. “If we play well, it’ll be a good thing,” Goldschmidt said according to MLB’s Bryan Hoch.

He added, “If we don’t, then it’ll probably be said that’s the reason we didn’t play well.” The Yankees won 94 games last season, tied for the American League lead, yet postseason shortcomings continue to define recent campaigns.

Yankees balance continuity and expectation

General manager Brian Cashman has pushed back on the idea that the club is merely repeating last year’s formula. Only two contributors from the ALDS roster — relievers Luke Weaver and Devin Williams — are no longer in the organization. Still, the broader framework of the team remains largely intact.

That continuity places added scrutiny on manager Aaron Boone and the returning core. If October once again ends prematurely, the roster construction will face intensified examination. For Goldschmidt, the equation is simple: performance will dictate perception.

New York has been focused on strengthening the right-handed side of its lineup all offseason. Bringing back Goldschmidt, a seven-time All-Star, provides the Yankees with a proven performer who can complement the team’s younger players.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, “First baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees are finalizing a one-year contract, sources tell ESPN. Goldschmidt, 38, returns to the Yankees after hitting .274/.328/.403 for them last season.“

A right knee sprain in August limited his availability and seemed to affect his consistency. He finished September with a .586 OPS but contributed in the playoffs, going 4-for-9. Despite the ups and downs, Goldschmidt showed he can still produce, particularly against left-handed pitchers.

Potential role for 2026

With Ben Rice set as the Yankees’ everyday first baseman, Goldschmidt is expected to serve in a platoon role. His career .981 OPS against lefties makes him a valuable right-handed complement, while his experience provides insurance against injuries to players like Giancarlo Stanton.

Goldschmidt’s return gives the Yankees flexibility in lineup construction, helping to balance opportunities for Rice while keeping a veteran presence ready to contribute in high-leverage situations.

Goldschmidt, who has made it clear he is not ready to retire, remains selective about his next move as his career enters its final chapter. While the Yankees have shown interest, projections around the league suggest another destination could make more sense for both sides.

That scenario gained traction this week when a national insider linked Goldschmidt to a familiar organization, hinting that his next stop may reconnect him with unfinished business rather than extend his stay in the Bronx.

Could a familiar reunion reshape Goldschmidt’s final chapter?

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter projected a return to Arizona Diamondbacks, citing both performance trends and roster construction. “A reunion with Paul Goldschmidt still makes a ton of sense, and after posting a .981 OPS in 168 plate appearances against lefties last year, he still has plenty left in the tank,” Reuter wrote.

Arizona has already added Nolan Arenado this offseason, setting the stage for a potential reunion of longtime teammates. With both veterans nearing the end of their careers, the possibility of one final run together carries both competitive and sentimental appeal.

How did Goldschmidt’s season complicate New York’s plans?

Goldschmidt opened the year strong in pinstripes, slashing .338/.394/.495 with six home runs through his first 57 games. A difficult June stretch slowed his momentum, and while he rebounded statistically, his role diminished as younger options emerged later in the season.

Why Arizona could be the better fit moving forward

For Arizona, Goldschmidt represents a low-risk, high-upside option at first base. A one-year deal would align with the club’s competitive window while adding a respected presence to the clubhouse and lineup.

Having spent the first eight seasons of his career with the organization, Goldschmidt’s potential return would close a meaningful loop. As the offseason progresses, that familiarity may ultimately outweigh New York’s interest, setting the stage for a final act where it all began.

According to a report from Jack Curry of YES Network, the New York Yankees are interested in a reunion with Paul Goldschmidt. The former National League MVP, who won the award in 2022, is reportedly back in the Bronx Bombers’ crosshairs. Goldschmidt’s return could prove crucial both on the diamond and the clubhouse for Bellinger and the Yankees.

The 38-year-old had joined the club in the Bronx for the 2025 MLB season, signing a one-year, $12.5 million contract. After weighing his options in free agency—as well as considering retirement—Goldschmidt has decided he has more gas left in the tank.

By going after the veteran corner infielder, New York proved how serious it is about its offseason. Shortly after adding a former Mets prospect for much-needed pitching relief, the Yankees are now pursuing a player with a history of his own in the Bronx.

Goldschmidt’s time in the Bronx

By an extension of the word’s definition, Goldschmidt’s season with the Yankees in 2025 could be considered a success. Obviously, the veteran first baseman’s production was nowhere near his 2022 numbers—when he won the National League’s Most Valuable Player award.

Still, with the market for first basemen running dry, the Yankees could favor the familiar face. As the saying goes, better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.

Stats in 2025 MLB season

Appearing in 146 games in the 2025 MLB campaign, the seven-time All-Star registered 76 runs, 134 hits, 10 home runs, and 45 runs batted in (RBI). Moreover, Goldschmidt recorded a .245 batting average, .302 OBP, .414 SLG, and .716 OPS.

While his power against right-handed pitching has declined, Goldschmidt remained a dangerous threat against left-handed pitching, posting a .336/.411/.570 line in 168 plate appearances.

As teams look to balance veteran presence with lineup flexibility, the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees have emerged as logical fits for Goldschmidt. Both clubs could leverage his success against lefties, either in a platoon role or as a complementary bat to their existing roster.

How could Goldschmidt fit in 2026?

According to analysts, Goldschmidt’s continued value largely depends on his willingness to accept a reduced role. “The question is how willing he will be to accept a diminished role to prolong his career. A reunion with the D-backs still looks like a logical fit, while the Yankees could also bring him back to platoon with Ben Rice,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Jared Bloom.

If Goldschmidt embraces favorable matchups and a platoon setup, he could remain a key contributor despite declining overall power. Teams in need of a lefty specialist or experienced hitter might find his skill set particularly appealing for roster depth heading into the new MLB season.

According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, Goldschmidt has yet to sign a contract with the Yankees for the upcoming season. However, the report indicates that Paul is eager to take the field next year. Coming off a successful season and entering his 16th year in the league, Goldschmidt looks poised for a noteworthy tenure in New York.

Goldschmidt stands out as a key candidate for the Yankees’ first base position. In the 2025 MLB season, he showcased his skill with 134 hits, 76 runs, 10 home runs, and 45 RBIs, underscoring his value to the team.

Though he has not engaged in negotiations with any other franchises, expectations are high for Goldschmidt to suit up for the Yankees in 2026. His defensive prowess would be an asset to an organization that has been relatively quiet in free agency.

Goldschmidt quells retirement rumors

Despite whispers of potential retirement, Goldschmidt has addressed those speculations head-on, affirming that he is not contemplating leaving the game anytime soon.

While the Yankees remain a prominent option, speculation has linked Goldschmidt to his former team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Additionally, reports have surfaced about interest from the New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, and Seattle Mariners.

Without a concrete offer from the Yankees for the next season, uncertainty lingers over Goldschmidt’s future. At 38, he remains a coveted asset, and the decision on his next move will ultimately rest in his hands.