The New York Yankees are making aggressive moves early in the offseason as they face the significant loss of Juan Soto, which will dominate their winter discussions. Despite this setback, their recent activity signals a determination to strengthen their roster.
Historically, the Yankees’ dominance in Major League Baseball stemmed from their willingness to spend big, and they may further increase their payroll for the 2025 season to assemble the best possible team.
A key move would involve finding a replacement for Anthony Rizzo at first base. While Ben Rice could be given the starting role, signing a proven MLB veteran would maximize their chances of securing a World Series title.
This is where Christian Walker comes into the picture. At 33, Walker remains a strong option, having hit 26 or more home runs in each of the last three seasons.
Additionally, he’s one of the league’s top defensive first basemen, having won three consecutive Gold Glove Awards. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller predicts Walker could command a three-year, $75 million deal.
Miller notes the key question surrounding Walker is how much value he will continue to provide as he enters his mid-30s. However, if he maintains his current level of performance—hitting 30+ homers and playing elite defense—this type of deal would likely prove to be a bargain.
Miller also references that similar players like Paul Goldschmidt and José Abreu maintained their value through their early 30s before eventually declining, which could give some teams pause. Nonetheless, he suggests the Yankees are likely the frontrunners to sign Walker, though other teams could also overpay for his services.
The Yankees have had their eye on Walker for months, with Joel Sherman of the New York Post reporting that they reinitiated contract discussions with him following Soto’s departure. Sherman noted that Walker isn’t the only free agent the Yankees are pursuing as they attempt to shift the financial resources they had allocated to Soto’s contract toward other needs.
While signing older players can come with risks, Walker’s age isn’t yet a red flag—though his third year under a potential three-year deal could prove to be a question mark down the road. Nevertheless, the Yankees could rely on Walker’s veteran experience and consistent performance to help them compete for championships in the coming seasons. With the right moves, Walker could be a pivotal addition to a resurgent Yankees roster.
