The New York Yankees faced significant challenges at the first base position during the 2024 regular season, with their first basemen posting a league-worst .619 OPS. This lack of
offensive production has created a clear need for an upgrade at the position, making it likely that the Yankees will target a first baseman through free agency or trade this offseason.
In a November 30 article, Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller identified the Yankees as the top potential landing spot for former Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker.
Miller’s analysis is partly informed by a recent report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, which mentioned that if the Yankees do not re-sign Juan Soto, one possible alternative
could be to pursue Walker as a free-agent acquisition. This move would be part of a broader strategy that might also include signing a third baseman, acquiring center fielder
Cody Bellinger, and bolstering their pitching staff.”Long before the Yankees officially declined Anthony Rizzo’s $17 million club option for 2025, it was widely expected that they
would pursue Walker, given the struggles at first base in 2024,” Miller noted. “Nightengale even ranked the Yankees first among teams likely to ‘aggressively pursue’ Walker during
the early November GM meetings.” Miller also pointed out that Walker has had success at Yankee Stadium, posting a career 1.127 OPS in just six games played there, which could
bode well for his fit in the Bronx. As the Yankees head into an important offseason, improving first base production is likely to be one of their top priorities. Christian Walker,
with his power and consistency, would be a solid addition to New York’s lineup and could provide a significant boost to their offensive performance in 2025.