Toronto Blue Jays could close on former NL MVP

Jan 27, 2026 (9:02 PM)

Photo credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Paul Goldschmidt is no longer the MVP-caliber monster of his prime, but he is exactly the stabilizing force the Toronto Blue Jays need to survive the AL East.

The narrative surrounding this team has been consistent for years: immense talent, questionable focus.

Adding a future Hall of Famer with a reputation for intense preparation changes that dynamic instantly.

Goldschmidt is entering his age-38 season, and while the bat speed has ticked down, the baseball IQ remains elite.

He represents the perfect low-risk, high-reward pivot after the front office whiffed on younger superstars.

Ross Atkins loves "high character" guys, and Goldschmidt is practically the patron saint of professional hitting.

His role wouldn't be to carry the offense; it would be to mash left-handed pitching and mentor Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Vladdy is the face of the franchise, but having a sounding board like Goldschmidt in the dugout is invaluable.

Even in his "down" years, Goldschmidt grinds out at-bats and refuses to give away outs.

With Kazuma Okamoto likely handling the hot corner and Vladdy at first, Goldschmidt slides into the DH/Bench bat role perfectly.

This allows the Jays to rest Vladdy's knees without sacrificing a legitimate power threat in the cleanup spot.

If the "Exit Velocity" isn't there in April, you cut bait. But if he has one last resurgence left in the tank?

You just acquired a middle-of-the-order bat with playoff pedigree for a fraction of the cost of a premier free agent.

This roster is full of guys trying to prove they belong; Goldschmidt has already proven it for 15 years.

Sometimes you don't need another young stud; you need a guy who knows how to calm the storm when the Yankees are in town.

Previously on Toronto Baseball Insider

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JANVIER 27\|303 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays could close on former NL MVP Is Paul Goldschmidt worth a $10M gamble?
Yes	127	41.9 %
No	176	58.1 %
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