Ex-MLB star says Yankees signed former MVP as place-holder for next year's top slugger

At least one former New York Yankees player is looking beyond 2025.

Ruben Sierra, who spent parts of the 1995-1996 and 2003-2005 seasons in the Bronx, suggested that general manager Brian Cashman was eyeing next year’s free-agent class when he signed Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year, $12 million deal. 

Sierra wrote on X.com that he believes the Yankees want to keep the spot open to go after Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. next offseason. 

“I understand most Yankee fans were hoping for Walker, but I like one year of Paul Goldschmidt at 1B.

“Yankees can’t block the 1B position if they want to go after Vladdy next offseason!” Sierra posted to his social media page. 

Sierra is not the first to suggest this.

It does look more likely the young slugger will be available. Over the weekend, Guerrero said on the Abriendo podcast that the Blue Jays offered him an extension recently in the $340 million range.

Hector Gomez, the sports editor for @z101digital, reported that Guerrero, 25, laughed at the offer, especially since it came after Juan Soto signed a $756 million, 15-year deal with the Mets. 

"What they offered me is not even close to what I'm looking for,” Guerrero said. 

The Yankees may have an uphill battle though.

As Guerrero said in 2022 he would never sign with them, “not even [when I’m] dead.” He also told the New York Post. “It’s a personal thing that goes back with my family. I would never change my mind," in 2023. 

Guerrero had a change of heart in 2024, or he realized it was better to have the Yankees in a bidding war in free agency. 

"Like I tell you, I'm a player and if a team picks me or if they do something, it's because they need it, obviously, and I'll be happy to help any team," Guerrero told Virus Deportivo on Monday. "But right now, I'm just focused on helping my team try to get out of this bad streak."

More MLB: Yankees projected 2025 lineup