DALLAS Whether the Yankees signed Juan Soto or not, this winter they needed to resolve a problem at first base.
Still reeling from Soto’s choice to accept a free agent contract with the Mets, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman stated on Monday that, given the current makeup of the team’s roster, Ben Rice would be the de facto first baseman. While DJ LeMahieu has a two-year contract, it would be reckless to expect a quick recovery after his current slump, and Anthony Rizzo is a free agent who is anticipated to sign elsewhere this winter.
It follows that the Yankees’ initial pursuit of upgrading on the open market is not surprising.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the team actually extended contract negotiations with Christian Walker in free agency after finding out on Sunday that Soto would not be rejoining the Yankees.
Walker and Pete Alonso have both been connected to them, but it’s debatable which is a better fit.
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Walker is a 34-year-old right-handed hitter who won’t be a steal, but he’s a top-tier defender who won three consecutive Gold Glove Awards while playing for the Diamondbacks, and his at-bat performance hasn’t declined. Throughout his ten-year career, the first baseman has averaged.250, and in the last three seasons, he has recorded an OPS above.800.
However, Alonso is a liability when it comes to defense. He is a home run machine, hitting over 34 home runs in each of his complete seasons, but it’s even more of a conundrum given the defense and the money (he will need a larger contract and more years than Walker).
Additionally, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi revealed on Tuesday that the Yankees currently prioritize Walker above Pete Alonso. He mentioned Walker’s greater agility, Gold-Glove defense, and shorter contract.
Sherman claims that the Yankees are showing more than a passing interest in Walker.Walker is expected to make $60 million over three years this winter, according to MLB Trade Rumors, but it might take four years to acquire him due to interest from other teams. The Yankees have funds to invest after Soto leaves, but it’s risky given his age.
The Yankees might think about a deal to upgrade at first base utilizing prospect capital if they don’t want to make a financial commitment to the position. The Cubs have made Cody Bellinger available, and the Yankees have expressed interest. Josh Naylor of Cleveland, Yandy Diaz of the Rays, LaMonte Wade Jr. of San Francisco, and Nathaniel Lowe of the Rangers are possible backups.
You may contact Max Goodman at [email protected].
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