Paul Goldschmidt flexed his power on Tuesday, crushing his first home run of the spring as the Yankees dominated the Phillies, 12-3. The veteran first baseman’s blast was part of a seven-run third inning, fueling an offensive explosion that had fans buzzing about his potential in 2025. After his performance, some have started to believe he could reach the 20-homer mark in his first season in pinstripes.
Yankees arms hold their ground
Goldschmidt, nicknamed Goldy, made his presence felt in the third inning, launching a home run to left-center field that helped extend the Yankees’ lead. The 37-year-old, who was born in Wilmington, DE, and drafted in the eighth round by the Diamondbacks in 2009, has been searching for his rhythm at the plate this spring. With his homer and two RBIs against Philadelphia, he took a step in the right direction.
Though his power numbers dipped last season, Goldschmidt’s track record suggests he still has plenty left in the tank. Over his first six spring games, he has posted a .235 batting average with four RBIs and one home run. His ability to make solid contact and drive the ball with authority has fans optimistic that he could deliver a strong season, especially with Aaron Judge providing protection in the lineup.
The Yankees wasted no time jumping on Phillies ace Zack Wheeler. After a scoreless first inning, New York broke through in the second with RBI singles from George Lombard Jr., Spencer Jones, and Austin Wells. By the time the third inning rolled around, the Yankees’ bats had found their rhythm.
Jones, one of the Yankees’ top prospects, delivered the biggest swing of the game, crushing a three-run homer to right field off Cody Stashak. Goldschmidt added to the fireworks later in the inning with his solo shot, capping a relentless Yankees attack. By the end of the third, New York had put up seven runs, and every starter in the lineup had recorded a hit. Jasson Dominguez—who is favored by the odds to win AL Rookie of the Year—later joined the home run party with a solo shot to left-center in the sixth inning.
On the mound, Will Warren put together a solid three-inning outing, striking out four and allowing just one run—a solo homer by Max Kepler. The 24-year-old continued to make his case for a role in the Yankees’ pitching staff, finishing his outing by striking out Trea Turner with three straight curveballs.
Devin Williams made his Yankees spring debut and wasted no time flashing his signature airbender changeup, striking out J.T. Realmuto to complete a scoreless fourth inning. With Williams and Luke Weaver anchoring the bullpen, the Yankees have the pieces to form one of the strongest late-game units in the league.
Yankees return to action Thursday
The Yankees have an off day Wednesday before returning to Steinbrenner Field to face the Twins on Thursday. With Goldschmidt finding his power stroke, Jones continuing to impress, and the Yankees’ lineup firing on all cylinders, the team appears to be building momentum as spring training progresses. If Goldy can keep delivering at the plate, the idea of a 20-home run season may not seem far-fetched after all.
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