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As the top of the free-agent market continues to thin out with more players coming off the board, the next group of players are still waiting on teams to meet them at their asking price.
Per ESPN’s Jeff Passan, first basemen Paul Goldschmidt and Carlos Santana are holding “firm” on the money they are seeking that teams “haven’t been willing to pay yet.”
A big problem facing both players right now is the first base market has yet to take shape. Pete Alonso and Christian Walker are the top two players available and both remain unsigned.
Goldschmidt and Santana will be keeping an eye on the teams that don’t land either Alonso or Walker. Both Alonso and Walker have been connected to the New York Yankees.
The Yankees have roster flexibility after acquiring Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. He can play either first base or in the outfield, depending on any other potential additions they might make.
Another team seeking help at first base are the Detroit Tigers. MLB.com’s Jon Morosi noted they have shown interest in Goldschmidt. Santana’s potential suitors could include a reunion with the Minnesota Twins or a move to the Pacific Northwest with the Seattle Mariners.
Santana didn’t sign last offseason until early February when he got a one-year, $5.25 million deal from the Twins. He turned in a solid season with a .238/.328/.420 slash line, 23 homers and his first Gold Glove award in 150 games.
Goldschmidt had the worst full season of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024. He hit .245/.302/.414 with 22 homers in 154 games.
Given that both players are in their late-30s, it seems likely they will receive one-year deals. They just have to wait and see if teams will start giving them the type of financial offers they are seeking before putting pen to paper.