In 2024, the New York Yankees experienced a stark contrast in first base performance compared to the previous season. After an abysmal year in which they led the league in poor offensive metrics, this season they rank among the best in MLB with impressive production figures attributed to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Anthony Rizzo. Goldschmidt, despite concerns about his age, has shown remarkable improvement and defied expectations, significantly contributing to the Yankees' success in terms of wRC+ and fWAR, while also highlighting the evolving nature of player performance in baseball.
Instead, Goldschmidt has defied the aging curve in a completely unexpected way. He is swinging more frequently and making oodles of contact.
The Yankees first basemen struggled to a 76 wRC+ with a league-worst .335 slugging percentage... they were worth -1.2 FanGraphs WAR collectively.
This season, the Bombers are getting top-five production in MLB from first base. They rank fourth in wRC+ (137) and third in fWAR (1.6).
New first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and his predecessor Rizzo... have reputations which attest to their defensive excellence, but rarely generate notable defensive value.
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