Norm Hall/Getty Images
The New York Yankees renewed contract talks with free-agent first baseman Christian Walker on Sunday night after losing out on the Juan Soto sweepstakes.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported the exclusive on the 33-year-old Walker, a three-time Gold Glover who had 26 home runs, 84 RBI and an .803 OPS over 130 games for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season.
The Yankees have a need at first base after they declined their $17 million option on Anthony Rizzo, making him a free agent. New York could turn back to Ben Rice, who took over for an injured Rizzo after he suffered a forearm fracture following a June 16 collision.
But Rice struggled at the dish, hitting just .171 (.613 OPS) over 50 games. New York is probably best suited finding an external option.
Walker seems like a great fit given his pop and defensive prowess. And Jon Morosi of MLB Network recently said that Walker would be a greater priority for the team than another big-name first baseman, ex-New York Met Pete Alonso. Morosi cited the fact that Walker will command a shorter contract while also citing his defensive skills.
Walker was also cited as an “excellent clubhouse presence,” per Sherman.
Per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Yankees were reportedly willing to spend $760 million over 16 years to retain Soto, who went to the Mets for $765 million over 15 years.
So if the Yankees were willing to pay that much cash to Soto, then one can surmise they can reallocate those funds on other players to fill out their roster.
The money is clearly there for Walker, who MLB Trade Rumors projected to land a three-year, $60 million deal. That could end up being a steal as the Yankees look to improve from their AL pennant-winning season