The New York Yankees have been closely linked to first baseman Christian Walker over the past few months. While Walker, 33, may not have youth on his side, his consistent performance throughout his career makes him an ideal addition to the Yankees’ lineup.
With the team needing to find a replacement for Anthony Rizzo, Walker could provide a solid option. He’s not expected to command a massive contract, and his experience would be valuable for a team with World Series aspirations.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com pointed out that Walker is a logical choice for the Yankees, especially after the team posted a dismal .619 OPS from their first basemen in 2024, the lowest in the American League.
Walker, who has hit 95 home runs since the start of 2022 and won three consecutive Gold Glove Awards, is considered the best all-around first baseman available on the market this offseason. His combination of power and defense would be a major upgrade for the Yankees’ lineup.
A key consideration for the Yankees when pursuing Walker is his age and the potential length of his contract. Though he is a great fit for the team, the Yankees would likely want to avoid committing to a long-term deal given his age. A two-year contract could be the best scenario, allowing the Yankees flexibility.
If Walker performs well in the second year, they could then offer him another short-term deal. Zachary Roberts of Sportskeeda predicted a three-year, $58 million contract for Walker, which would add both depth and reliability to the Yankees’ roster.
However, the Yankees’ top priority remains re-signing outfielder Juan Soto, with the team hoping to secure his return before turning attention to other acquisitions. If the Yankees can find the financial flexibility after re-signing Soto, they may then pursue Walker.
In the event that Soto leaves, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Yankees’ “back-up plan” would involve signing Walker and pursuing additional moves, including bolstering their infield and outfield.
Potential additions like Willy Adames or Alex Bregman at third base, Jazz Chisholm at second, and a trade for Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger could round out a powerful roster.
While these moves would certainly improve the Yankees’ depth, retaining Soto, arguably the best hitter in MLB, would still likely be the preferred option.
Regardless of the strategy, Walker would undoubtedly be a strong fit for the Yankees’ roster, offering a blend of power, defense, and leadership in the heart of their lineup.
