ESPN’s Keith Law says Yankees should trade for Paul Goldschmidt

ESPN’s prospect guru, Keith Law recently told NJ Advance Media that the Yankees would be wise to target Diamondbacks first baseman, Paul Goldschmidt to reinforce an already solid lineup.

Despite CC Sabathia racking up his fourth straight lame duck performance on Tuesday night against the Reds — ending the Yankees six-game win streak, the Bronx Bombers still boast a 21-10 record and sit only 0.5 game back of the first-place Orioles.

With Sabathia’s recent string of troubles, and Jordan Montgomery only now carving out a spot for himself in the rotation, one would think that if the Yankees were to make any moves before the July 31 trade deadline, it would most certainly be for a starting pitcher — say Yu Darvish or Gerrit Cole.

Not so fast, says Keith Law, author of the new book Smart Baseball.

With a farm system brimming with upper echelon talent, Law suggested that the Yanks would be wise to investigate a deal for a criminally underrated first baseman, one who just so happens to also be a four-time All-Star, and winner of two Gold Glove Awards: Paul Goldschmidt.

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“I would not do it for a rental,” Law said, taking a name like Darvish off the table. “But for a player under team control, like, say prying Paul Goldschmidt loose? I’d do it. I know everyone loves Greg Bird and his future, but this is why you have prospects to deal. If Arizona was willing to pivot and try to rebuild, Goldschmidt would be a great move for the Yankees.”

At 29, Goldy is just now entering the prime of his career. He’s got at least four full seasons of stellar ball left before we see any decline in his overall game. It would be a lot of fun to see him on the biggest of stages and get some of the recognition he rightfully deserves as one of baseball’s best all-around players.

The D’backs are currently exceeding expectations at 18-16 — but should (when) they fall out of contention once the Dodgers and Giants (maybe) get rolling, Goldschmidt, who is currently slashing .314/.449/.551 with seven homers, 27 RBI, and eight stolen bases, will inevitably become an attractive trade chip to any number of suitors.

Signed through 2018 with an option for 2019, Goldy’s is severely undervalued at a mere $25.6 million for two more years of service.

Obviously, a guy capable of hitting at least 33 doubles over the past five seasons, that also owns a 30.5 career WAR, won’t come cheap.

Any trade proposal the Yankees put together would certainly begin with their own first baseman of the future, Greg Bird. But as evidenced by his early season struggles and propensity for injuries, fans are already questioning him as a long-term piece to the puzzle.

Speculating upon whom the Yankees would also need to include in any hypothetical trade would just incite fan vitriol, so I’ll simply say that the D’backs would probably require at least two of the club’s top 10 prospects — most likely a pitcher and an outfielder.

Next: Replacing Sabathia

Indeed, it’s too early to get wrapped up in trade rumors galore, but Law certainly stirred the pot with this one. Adding a proven commodity like Goldy to an already stout Yankees lineup would make them uber dangerous headed into the season’s final months. Throw in his defensive capabilities, to boot, and well, a transaction like this is what World Series dreams are made of.