The New York Yankees may be eying a new corner infield duo.
New York is increasingly interested in signing free-agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, sources told MLB.com's John Denton, Mark Feinsand, and Bryan Hoch.
The team's interest in Goldschmidt is twofold, as his presence reportedly could influence Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado to waive his no-trade clause and rejoin his former teammate on the Yankees.
New York proposed a trade for Arenado earlier in the offseason involving Marcus Stroman, which St. Louis declined without presenting Arenado the offer for approval, Denton, Feinsand, and Hoch report.
Goldschmidt, 37, is reportedly seeking a multi-year contract. He's coming off a career-worst season in which he slashed .245/.302/.414 with 22 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. However, he's only two years removed from winning NL MVP.
The righty has seven All-Star appearances, five Silver Slugger awards, and four Gold Gloves across 14 MLB seasons.
Now that Christian Walker is gone, a reunion between Goldschmidt and the Arizona Diamondbacks is also reportedly a possibility.
New York is currently projected to start youngster Ben Rice at first base.
Arenado, meanwhile, will be 34 in April and is also coming off a tough season by his standards. He hit just 16 home runs with a .719 OPS (101 OPS+) while failing to win a Gold Glove for the second straight year.
The eight-time All-Star still has three years and $74 million remaining on his contract. He's looking to join a World Series contender and recently vetoed a trade to the Houston Astros.
