yankees interest Christian Walker Originally reported last month, but until Juan Soto Signing with the Mets shows that the Yankees appear to be able to focus more on other position player targets. The shift in focus apparently happened quickly, with the New York Post’s Joel Sherman writing that the Yankees “renewed contract discussions” with Walker’s camp on Sunday night, at the same time Soto’s record-setting News of the $765 contract comes out.
While the pitching and hitting markets aren’t exactly the same, the Bombers’ eight-year, $218-million deal Max Fried It’s clear evidence that New York has been able to quickly pivot to the rest of its target list with Soto ruled out. Generally speaking, first base help and lineup help are both needed, and signing Walker would solve both problems in one fell swoop.
Fried’s trade adds another piece of the puzzle for the Yankees pursuing Walker or any other free agent who rejects a qualifying offer. Since New York is a luxury tax taxpayer in 2024 and Fried turned down the Braves’ QO, the Yankees had to give up $1MM in international bonus pool money and the second- and fifth-highest picks in the 2025 draft, in order to complete the signing. Signing Walker would cost the Yankees another $1MM in international money, as well as two more draft picks — their third and sixth-highest picks.
While this could have a big impact on New York’s 2025 draft plans, Brian Cashman’s front office may view it as a necessary cost to take advantage of the team’s competitive window. Fried adds another top arm to go with Gerrit Cole On top of the deep Yankee rotation, Aaron Judge Still arguably the best hitter in the sport, Giancarlo Stanton The 2024 season will see a rebound, with a younger core little jazz chisholm, Austin Wells, Anthony Volpeand (New York Hope) Jason Dominguez Contributions can be made now and in the future.
Walker would represent another big piece of the puzzle, bringing elite first base defense and a powerful bat. Walker will turn 34 in March, but he shows no signs of slowing down, and his age may be a feature rather than a flaw when it comes to the Yankees’ needs. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi said a short-term deal might be preferable to the Yankees over a long-term deal with a young first base option, which is why Morosi noted that Walker “is more important to the Yankees, not less.” Pete Alonso It will.
