Did Paul Goldschmidt do the opposite of Juan Soto and take less money to play for the New York Yankees?

It appears that even though Juan Soto left the New York Yankees for a more lucrative offer from the New York Mets in free agency, the franchise could have attracted Paul Goldschmidt at a discounted rate.

The Yankees have been busy last month. During the first weeks of the offseason, the team focused entirely on returning superstar outfielder Juan Soto to the team for 2025 and beyond. However, as the sports world knows well, their argument was unsuccessful.

Related: New York Yankees Insider Confidently Shuts Down Recent Future Hall of Famer Trade Rumors

New York reportedly offered a contract worth up to $760 million. Yet he chose to take his talents across town for $765 million and a plethora of perks from the Mets. Following this historic decision, the Pinstripes spent a lot of money.

They gave Atlanta Braves star pitcher Max Fried a $218 million contract. And will take on much of the $52 million still owed to newcomer Cody Bellinger. However, on Christmas Eve, New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman revealed that new first baseman Paul Goldschmidt will be coming to the Bronx at a discounted price.

• Statistics from Paul Goldschmidt (2024): .245 AVG, .302 OBP, .414 SLG, .716 OPS, 22 HR, 65 RBI, 70 R

Paul Goldschmidt turned down better offers to come to the New York Yankees?

“At least the Nats, Guardians and D’backs were interested in the ex-MVP, and he is rumored to have turned down bigger offers,” Heyman wrote.

Following Juan Soto’s shocking decision, some around baseball wondered whether the New York Yankees’ prestige in the league had eroded for certain players. However, when it came to the former NL MVP and 14-year veteran, the competition in Pinstripes still carried plenty of weight.

• Paul Goldschmidt contract: One year, $12.5 million

The Yankees won the AL East title and reached the World Series in 2024. They are once again considered the favorites in the AL after the moves they made this offseason.

Related: Did the New York Yankees create an awkward love triangle situation in the locker room with the Cody Bellinger trade?