With Juan Soto off the board, heading to the New York Mets on a record-shattering 15-year, $765 million deal, the New York Yankees have shifted their offseason focus.
Reports indicate that the team is prioritizing upgrades at first base, specifically targeting Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Christian Walker.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Walker is now a more appealing option for the Yankees than Mets star Pete Alonso, largely due to his shorter contract potential and defensive skills.
“I believe, based on what I’ve heard from sources the last couple days, that Christian Walker at the moment is more of a priority for the Yankees than Pete Alonso would be,” Morosi reported.
“Walker is a shorter-term contract. He’s a Gold Glove-caliber defender. Yes, he’s older than Pete Alonso, but he’s really athletic. And he’s been on a World Series team.”
The 33-year-old Walker is a three-time National League Gold Glove winner at first base and posted a solid .251 batting average with 26 home runs and an .803 OPS in 2024.
Morosi speculated that the Yankees could offer Walker a deal similar to Anthony Rizzo’s two-year, $32 million contract signed in 2022.
“Maybe it’s a three-year deal at a healthy [average annual value], but certainly manageable when you consider the amount of money the Yankees were willing to go to, to sign Juan Soto,” Morosi added.
“They would still have plenty of space in that payroll to add elsewhere, which I think is part of the idea for the Yankees.
“If you can’t get Juan Soto, then spread your allocation around the diamond and generally improve your club in multiple spots.”
Beyond first base, the Yankees are reportedly ramping up efforts to trade for Houston Astros star right fielder Kyle Tucker.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that Tucker has become a major target, with the Yankees “seriously pursuing” the three-time All-Star.
The 27-year-old Tucker boasts an impressive offensive profile, with 162-game averages of 35 home runs, 111 RBIs, and an .888 OPS since 2021.
While he doesn’t bring the same marquee appeal as Soto, Tucker is viewed as a cornerstone talent. However, prying Tucker away from the rival Astros won’t be easy.
Morosi noted that the Astros are open to keeping Tucker through his walk year, just as they did with Alex Bregman in 2024. If the Yankees hope to secure Tucker, they will need to assemble a blockbuster trade package.
Reports suggest Houston’s interest is centered on Yankees AL Rookie of the Year starting pitcher Luis Gil, with Ben Rice and top prospect Spencer Jones potentially included as well.
Still, New York’s farm system is thinner than competitors like the Chicago Cubs, who boast eight prospects in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100, or the San Francisco Giants, who are also in the mix for Tucker.
What are your thoughts on the reports that the Yankees value Walker more than Alonso?
How about the Tucker rumors? … Would Houston really be willing to deal such a talented player to the hated Bombers?
What do the next few days have in store for Brian Cashman and the Yankees???
