Goldschmidt’s Yankees career confronts unexpected challenge

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Paul Goldschmidt’s Yankees resurgence faces the risk of fading away in the absence of power.

NEW YORK — When Paul Goldschmidt arrived in the Bronx this season, the New York Yankees expected a reliable veteran presence in the heart of their lineup. So far, Goldschmidt has delivered—just not exactly in the way many envisioned. His bat has been one of the most consistent in a Yankees offense that has had its share of ups and downs. But as May begins, there’s a noticeable hole in his otherwise impressive start: the power.

A tale of two stats

Goldschmidt, batting a scorching .383, currently ranks second in all of Major League Baseball in average. His ability to make quality contact has been outstanding, with a career-high 44.6% “sweet spot” rate—an advanced stat that tracks how often a hitter strikes the ball within the optimal launch angle range for line drives and home runs.

Yet, despite his precision, Goldschmidt has just one home run to his name this season, a number that has raised eyebrows for a player known for his power stroke. His current pace projects to just six home runs over the full season—a career low outside of the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

“I just try to hit the ball and just kind of let it do what it’s going to do,” Goldschmidt told the New York Post. “But yeah, it’s been a little bit different, results-wise, but I haven’t really tried to do anything different.”

Power dip or Just a slow start?

Historically, Goldschmidt has been a slow starter when it comes to home runs. His 49 career homers in March and April are the fewest he’s hit in any two-month stretch during the season, trailing even the 50 he’s posted in September/October. Last year, he only managed two home runs through April, before hitting five in May. So, while the power drought is concerning, it isn’t unprecedented.

That said, the Yankees need more than just singles and doubles from their marquee first baseman. While his contact has helped steady a lineup that often struggles with strikeouts, Goldschmidt’s role is to drive in runs and provide pop—especially with the team’s recent 9-9 stretch threatening early-season momentum.

Through his first 110 plate appearances, Goldschmidt has a .364 average and 0.6 WAR, demonstrating his value. But with only one homer, there’s a gap between his production and the Yankees’ expectations for their middle-of-the-order slugger.

Yankees’ offensive imbalance

While Goldschmidt has been a model of consistency at the plate, the rest of the Yankees lineup has been uneven. Outside of MVP candidate Aaron Judge, only Trent Grisham and Ben Rice have offered steady offensive contributions.

Austin Wells, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Anthony Volpe have combined for 15 home runs, but their collective strikeout issues and low on-base percentages have limited run production. The Yankees, known for their power-hitting identity, are striking out at one of the highest rates in baseball. Without Goldschmidt’s power in full swing, the team’s ability to produce runs efficiently has taken a hit.

Can Goldschmidt adjust?

There’s no indication that Goldschmidt is pressing at the plate or altering his approach dramatically. His batted-ball profile suggests he’s still squaring up pitches well, just not lifting them with the same authority he once did. His average exit velocity has remained steady, but his launch angle may be slightly flatter, leading to more line drives than deep fly balls.

The Yankees coaching staff remains confident that the power will come.

“He’s swinging great, taking good at-bats,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Sometimes these things even out. When a guy is hitting as well as he is, the homers tend to follow.”

A glimpse toward the All-Star break

Despite the dip in power, Goldschmidt is still tracking toward his eighth All-Star appearance, thanks to his exceptional average and steady presence. But if the home run numbers don’t improve, it could impact both his personal accolades and the Yankees’ playoff hopes.

Goldschmidt is now just four games away from going an entire month without a home run—something he’s never done in his career over a full season. The Yankees, currently battling in a competitive AL East, will need more firepower from their veteran slugger to stay in contention.

A vital role moving forward

Goldschmidt’s lack of home runs hasn’t diminished his importance to the Yankees. His ability to put the ball in play, drive in runs, and avoid strikeouts makes him invaluable, especially in a lineup filled with high-risk, high-reward hitters. But in New York, where power is part of the franchise’s identity, expectations remain high.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on whether Goldschmidt can turn his sweet contact into more long balls. For now, his breakout in pinstripes is defined by precision—not power—but the Bronx is waiting for the home run swing to return.

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