As the New York Yankees enter the offseason, one of the critical decisions looming large is who will fill the void at first base. After opting not to exercise Anthony Rizzo’s club option for 2025, the Yankees are now on the hunt for a reliable, productive first baseman, and all eyes are on Christian Walker as a potential target. Despite being one of the older options on the market at 34, Walker has consistently proven himself with both power at the plate and solid defensive skills, making him an appealing choice for a team looking to rebound.
Walker’s market value has risen as he’s improved each season. He’s averaged 32 home runs over the last three seasons and is also an elite defender, securing three consecutive Gold Gloves. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel predicts that Walker could land a three-year, $57 million deal, noting that his combination of power and defensive skill brings him above his peers. McDaniel highlighted Walker’s unique profile, comparing him to players like Jose Abreu and Edwin Encarnacion, but argued that Walker’s superior defensive ability could make him worth even more.
With the potential loss of outfielder Juan Soto, the Yankees would be in even greater need of a powerful bat. While replacing Soto’s youth and impact is nearly impossible, a player of Walker’s caliber would at least bolster their lineup with consistent power and reliable defense. Joel Sherman of the New York Post has also championed Walker, particularly for his ability to improve the Yankees’ infield defense alongside possible additions like Alex Bregman at third.
For a Yankees team that prides itself on fielding competitive rosters, Rizzo’s 2024 season was a stark drop from his past success. While Rizzo’s career accolades include three All-Star appearances and a reputation as one of MLB’s top first basemen in his prime, his recent performance—slashing .228/.301/.335 with eight homers in 2024—fell below expectations, emphasizing the Yankees’ need for a fresh start.
Walker, on the other hand, has been a model of consistency. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged more than 130 games and maintained a .251/.335/.468 line with 26 home runs and a 121 OPS+ in 2024. Unlike Rizzo’s struggles this past season, Walker’s numbers offer stability and promise at the plate, complemented by his Gold Glove defense, which could help anchor the Yankees’ infield for years to come.
Though Pete Alonso may be the “big name” option at first, Sherman argues that Walker’s balanced skill set would benefit the Yankees more over a full season. The prospect of a Soto-free Yankees lineup could make Walker an essential signing, ensuring they retain a strong offensive presence while improving their infield defense.
For the Yankees, the choice is clear: adding a player like Walker may not replace the star power of Soto or the nostalgia of Rizzo’s glory years, but it would bring valuable power and stability to a position they’re looking to solidify. With other teams like the Dodgers and Mets also in pursuit of top talent, securing Walker sooner rather than later might be the key to getting the Yankees back on track for 2025.
