The Arizona Diamondbacks had a disappointing season in 2024. They could be losing a key player in free agency and the New York Yankees could target him if they lose Juan Soto.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale noted that if the Yankees can not keep Juan Soto around, they could sign Diamondbacks star Christian Walker with the money they would save.
"If the New York Yankees don’t re-sign Juan Soto, one back-up plan floating around is signing free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, sign either Willy Adames or Alex Bregman to play third, shift Jazz Chisholm to second base, trade for Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger, and then use the extra money to sign Burnes, Fried or Snell," wrote Nightengale.
Walker immediately fills a need for the Yankees and creates a hole for the Diamondbacks. Walker leaving the Diamondbacks would be a big blow. He won his third career Gold Glove Award in 2024. More importantly, he accounted for 26 home runs and 84 RBIs last season in 130 games.
Spotrac projects Walker to sign a three-year, $66 million deal in free agency. The Diamondbacks missed the postseason entirely after making it to the World Series in 2023. They could look to move on from Walker and get younger overall.
Meanwhile, the Yankees would be getting a huge upgrade from Anthony Rizzo. Walker had a .803 OPS for the Diamondbacks last season. He could be a real asset in the lineup alongside Aaron Judge. With the money saved if Soto leaves, the Yankees could sign Walker and other free agents as well, as Nightengale noted.
More MLB: Yankees could poach $152 million slugger from the Brewers if Juan Soto leaves
