The Arizona Diamondbacks are at a crossroads. The 2023 National League finalist disappointed in 2024, missing the playoffs despite making a resurgence toward the end of the season.

Arizona’s payroll is hemorrhaging due to the disastrous signing of Jordan Montgomery. The 31-year-old hurler, as expected, picked up his $22.5 million player option for 2025 after a dismal season in which he posted an 8-7 record with a stratospheric 6.23 ERA.

Whether or not Montgomery regains his pre-2024 form, his financial outlay sets the stage for first baseman Christian Walker’s trade this winter – leaving the Diamondbacks with a big hole at first base.

According to Anthony Franco and Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, Arizona will fill this gaping hole with a nostalgic pick: Paul Goldschmidt.

The 37-year-old is at the end of his career and is no longer the most valuable player talent he was when the Diamondbacks traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018.

The Cardinals did not extend a qualifying offer to Goldschmidt at the end of last season, making him a free agent.

Despite his increasing age and dwindling stats, the seven-time All-Star still offers the kind of durability and pop that many Major League Baseball teams would enjoy on a short-term contract.

Spotrac expects Goldschmidt to be available for around $12 million on a one-year deal. That’s a fraction of what Walker could see from another team this winter. MLBTR expects Goldschmidt to make a little more, predicting he will sign a one-year, $15 million deal.

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