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Yankees Facing Ben Rice Decision After Paul Goldschmidt Says He Wants to Keep Playing
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- Yankees Facing Ben Rice Decision After Paul Goldschmidt Says He Wants to Keep Playing
The New York Yankees season ended on a sour note on Wednesday night, falling 4-3 to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 3 of the American League Division Series, completing a sweep at Yankee Stadium.
After the Yankees' loss, reporters flocked to the clubhouse to ask about the futures of the team's top players. Paul Goldschmidt was among those asked about his future as he enters free agency after the 2026 World Series. The 39-year-old first baseman said he wants to keep playing in MLB next season, according to New York Daily News Sports' Gary Phillips.
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Phillips also noted that second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. and outfielder Trent Grisham want to return to New York, but the consensus is that the team will look to move on from the pair.
New York Yankees designated hitter Ben Rice (22)Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Goldschmidt signed a one-year, $4 million contract before spring training. Manager Aaron Boone used Goldschmidt as a platoon option against left-handed pitching and a late-inning defensive replacement, while Ben Rice got most of the playing time at first base.
Goldschmidt hit .252/.313/.452 with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs in 380 plate appearances this season. Rice hit .264/.363/.534 with 41 home runs and 97 RBIs in his first All-Star season. Rice was used as a designated hitter in 95 games this season, compared to 56 games at first base. He committed four errors at first.
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Boone said that before the season, Rice would occasionally catch on days Goldschmidt took first base, but that never happened. It's even less likely now that Luis Garcia Jr. is on the 2027 roster.
The Yankees could re-sign Goldschmidt on another inexpensive deal and keep a right-handed bat in the mix. Doing so would also test how much room remains at DH and first base for Rice, Garcia and even Giancarlo Stanton.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Oct 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
