"Christian Walker is the most underrated player in baseball" - MLB insider backs ex-Diamondbacks free agent as Anthony Rizzo replacement for Yankees
The New York Yankees declined a player option for Anthony Rizzo following their World Series loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers in October. Rizzo is a free agent now and the Yankees are looking at potential options to replace him at first base.
One of the names that has been linked with the Yankees is veteran first baseman and former Arizona Diamondbacks star Christian Walker. Yankees podcaster Derek Levandowski reflected on Walker being an option at first base with MLB insider Robert Murray.
In the latest episode of "Pinstripe Territory," Murray said (8:00 onwards):
"Christian Walker is perhaps the most underrated player in baseball and the fact that he is getting such little attention this offseason, it's kind of the story of his career and if you look at him he can hit 30+ homers with ease.
"He is a very good defender at first base. He's a very strong locker room guy, someone who was really highly respected in the Arizona organization and he is someone worthy of a contract worth 20 or more million a year."
Murray opined that if the Yankees go for Christian Walker, it'd be a relatively short-term contract.
He continued:
"He's in the back half of his career for sure, so I'm wondering does he get a three-year deal? Does he get a four-year deal? My guess is probably, he gets about a three-year contract for around 20 million a year. Which is, I mean, that's a really strong contract, but it's not a long-term. It would not be a long-term deal, which would not handicap the Yankees. I think that flexibility would be good for them."
Christian Walker's case for a move to the Yankees with a potential alternative
Christian Walker's plate appearance decreased in 2024 compared to his previous two seasons with the Diamondbacks, but he still managed a decent offensive output of 26 home runs and 84 RBI at .251.
Although a productive hitter in the middle order, Walker's strength lies in defense, something the Yankees need to shore up the infield. He won his third consecutive Gold Glove award at first base with the Snakes in 2024.
However, as mentioned by Derek Levandowski in his podcast episode, the Yankees could look at Chicago Cubs' Cody Bellinger, a much younger option at the position, with the Cubs reportedly looking to trade the former NL MVP.