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Yankees Considering Surprise Paul Goldschmidt Lineup Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris M. Licata | Last updated Mar 21, 2025 5:55 PM ET

The top of the New York Yankees lineup is expected to look different to open the 2025 season next week as manager Aaron Boone told reporters that catcher Austin Wells is likely to be the team's leadoff man.

"I think you can read into it a little bit, yeah,” Boone said on March 16. “I like him there. It may continue to evolve. I don’t know that we’ve seen many lefty starters at all. I might change it up there if we were to see a left-handed starter possibly. But I’ve really liked him in that spot. I think he profiles well for it."

Rounding out the middle of the batting order is likely to be a combination of Aaron Judge, offseason signing Cody Bellinger and fellow newcomer Paul Goldschmidt.

Goldschmidt, 37, has typically batted in the heart of the order throughout his 14-year MLB career between Arizona and St. Louis. In his first year in pinstripes, it appears Boone is willing to change things up.

According to YES Network's Jack Curry on Friday, the Yankees manager is open to giving Goldschmidt opportunities as a leadoff hitter against left-handed pitchers.

"From Boone…While Wells is expected to hit first vs RHP, Goldschmidt could get some reps vs LHP. He’s never led off in majors, but has a .381 career OBP," Curry wrote on X.

He added that, "Goldschmidt hasn’t hit leadoff in any spring training games, but he’s expected to hit first vs the Phillies tomorrow" against lefty Jesus Luzardo.

Goldschmidt doesn't have the speed he once did (32 stolen bases in 2016) but he has swiped at least 11 bags in three of the past four seasons. However, it's Goldschmidt's career on-base percentage (.381) that is more appealing and fitting for the role.

It's worth noting, though, that the former MVP and seven-time All-Star posted career-worst marks last season with a .245/.302/.716 slashline.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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