The New York Yankees must replace outfielder Juan Soto’s output in their 2025 lineup. Could bringing Christian Walker to the Bronx to be the club’s starting first baseman help with that? Second baseman Gleyber Torres and first baseman Anthony Rizzo are both free agents, leaving New York’s infield in disarray.
According to FanGraphs, the Yankees struggled at first base in 2024, with five players producing -1.1 WAR. Walker would be a significant upgrade for Yankees manager Aaron Boone since he can contribute in a variety of ways on the field. He has earned three consecutive Gold Glove Awards since 2022, averaging 32 home runs, 29 doubles, 94 RBI, and 81 runs scored with an OPS of.814 over that time.
The 33-year-old veteran has been connected to the Yankees multiple times since free agency began. Is he destined to land in the Bronx? Michael Brakebill of FanSided believes 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,” according to Brakebill.
“Their starting rotation is already one of the finest in the league, and by adding Walker to a lineup that will most likely include Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Bellinger, they can keep the good times coming in the Bronx. Walker has 95 home runs and 285 RBIs over the last three seasons, as well as three consecutive Gold Gloves. Spotrac predicts the slugging first baseman will sign a three-year, $66 million contract this winter.
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