Yankees Eye Christian Walker as Rizzo Replacement, $60 Million Deal Predicted
The New York Yankees have been closely linked to Christian Walker in recent months, with many seeing him as a potential replacement for Anthony Rizzo, especially after the team chose to decline Rizzo’s club option. While Walker is no longer in his prime, he’s been steadily improving and could be a strong addition to the Yankees’ lineup. The 34-year-old right-handed hitting first baseman has posted impressive numbers, making him an intriguing option for New York.
For the Yankees, managing payroll is a key consideration. While Walker won’t come cheap, he’s expected to sign a deal within the team’s financial reach. Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report predicts that Walker will secure a three-year, $60 million contract.
“Christian Walker offers a solid alternative to Pete Alonso for teams seeking a power-hitting first baseman this offseason. Despite missing over a month due to an oblique injury last season, he still managed to hit 26 home runs, drive in 84 RBIs, and post an .803 OPS,” Kelly wrote on November 11. “Additionally, Walker won his third consecutive Gold Glove, recording seven defensive runs saved and 13 outs above average in over 1,100 innings at first base. Although he will turn 34 next March, limiting the length of his contract, Walker has been one of the top overall first basemen in the league over the past three years. For a team seeking a mix of power, defense, and veteran leadership, he makes a lot of sense.”
Potential Bidding War Between Yankees and Mets
While much of the offseason focus has been on the New York Yankees and Mets potentially bidding for Juan Soto, both teams may also compete for Walker. According to Bob Nightengale, there’s a real chance that the Yankees and Mets could engage in a “bidding war” for the first baseman, with multiple other teams also showing interest.
“There are at least six teams expected to aggressively pursue Walker, with both the Yankees and Mets in the mix. Many believe he’ll cost less than half of what a player like Pete Alonso would, making him an appealing option for both teams,” Nightengale wrote on November 7.
Walker’s Value and the $20 Million AAV Debate
In terms of production, Walker ranks among the better first basemen in MLB. While he might not be in the top tier, he’s consistently been a reliable bat and glove. A $20 million annual average value (AAV) may not be considered exorbitant in today’s market, but it’s still a significant commitment. The Yankees have the financial flexibility to make this move, especially if they retain Soto and continue to build a competitive roster around him.
Christian Walker
In the past three seasons, Walker has hit 95 home runs, and would likely have surpassed 100 if not for a recent injury. His combination of power and defense makes him a valuable asset, and with no obvious internal replacement for Rizzo, the Yankees could make a strong play for him.
