Paul Goldschmidt's Yankees connection adds another possible DJ LeMahieu backer

Though they reportedly signed him weeks ago on Dec. 21, the New York Yankees rallied to announce Paul Goldschmidt's arrival just before the expiration of 2024, and welcomed him onto an introductory Zoom call on Jan. 2.

He spent the call calmly getting acquainted with the city and advocating for his own bounce-back potential, like any confident athlete would. "Low key" was certainly the dominant vibe of the session, though Goldschmidt, the 37-year-old 2022 MVP, had plenty of pleasantly laudatory things to say about his associations with the Yankees' organization. Making no secret of his desire to win a ring before the end of his career, Goldschmidt noted that he came of age during the dynasty years, stating, "The Yankees, in any kid's psyche, are just an amazing franchise."

While that's all well and good, and plenty of us still view the Yankees as consummate winners from a 1,000-foot view, what Goldschmidt had to say about his hands-on experience with recent former Yankees was much more valuable. "I've been pretty fortunate and have played with a lot of guys who've spent time in New York with the Yankees, and that stuck out throughout this process," Goldschmidt told the media. "I don't remember hearing a bad thing about the Yankees ... the city, and the fan base."

Goldschmidt's also had a good deal of contact with the current Yankees, stemming largely from a post-2022 MVP meeting of the minds that he and Aaron Judge orchestrated. Calling Judge "one of the best," the Yankees' new first baseman reflected on that meeting on Thursday, also making sure to note that DJ LeMahieu had been present as well.

Paul Goldschmidt's post-2022 workout with Yankees' Aaron Judge also included DJ LeMahieu

This is no guarantee that LeMahieu will be handed a starting job to begin spring training, of course. It's not even an indication of that being a possibility. But, in case you're of the mind that LeMahieu -- even on the bench -- holds no current value to the team, just remember that he was important enough to Judge to be included in a private BP session with Goldschmidt two winters ago. Remember, too, that Goldschmidt was an obvious fit with or without a Judge recommendation, but is joining the Yankees partially because of his mindset and dogged pursuit of greatness. He'll help Ben Rice. He'll help mentor other hitters. And he's going to join Judge's foxhole, where LeMahieu also resides.

Don't expect anything to be handed to LeMahieu. But if you think the Yankees might "eat his money" and move on before they absolutely have to, think again.