The New York Yankees need to replace outfielder Juan Soto's production in their 2025 lineup. Could part of that come from bringing Christian Walker to the Bronx so he can be the club's starting first baseman?
New York's infield is quite unsettled right now since second baseman Gleyber Torres and first baseman Anthony Rizzo are free agents. First base was a black hole for the Yankees in 2024 – five players combined to produce -1.1 WAR, according to FanGraphs.
Walker would be a huge upgrade for Yankees manager Aaron Boone, as he can contribute in multiple ways on the field. He's won three straight Gold Glove Awards since 2022 while averaging 32 home runs, 29 doubles, 94 RBI and 81 runs scored with a .814 OPS during that time. The 33-year-old veteran has been linked to the Yankees several times since free agency opened. Is he destined to land in the Bronx? FanSided's Michael Brakebill thinks so.
"The New York Yankees need a first baseman, and if they want to make a significant splash, they can trade for Cody Bellinger and sign Christian Walker," Brakebill wrote. "Their starting rotation is already one of the best in the league, and by adding Walker to a lineup that most likely sees Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Bellinger in it, they can keep the good times rolling in the Bronx. Walker has 95 home runs and 285 RBIs in his last three seasons and three consecutive Gold Gloves."
Spotrac is projecting the slugging first baseman will sign a three-year, $66 million deal this winter.
