The Arizona Diamondbacks were more frisky than usual in free agency last year, but they're still far from a big-market team.
Coming off a World Series bid, the Diamondbacks were motivated to go for a title in 2024. They landed, among others, Eduardo Rodríguez, Eugenio Suárez, Joc Pederson, and Jordan Montgomery during a surprisingly active winter, but unfortunately, they didn't get the desired result.
After missing the playoffs by one game despite having the league's highest-scoring offense, the D-Backs are now caught in limbo. Will they spend big again and hope it pays off the second time around? And will they be able to prevent their own key free agents from skipping town?
Across the country, the New York Yankees are hoping to retain superstar outfielder Juan Soto, whose free agency will have ripple effects across Major League Baseball. The D-Backs, who won't be in on Soto, simply have to hope they don't caught up in the current.
Ryan Finkelstein recently predicted that the Yankees would miss out on Soto, losing him across town to the New York Mets. And in an unfortunate ricochet for Arizona, Finkelstein also predicted that the Bronx Bombers would land first baseman Christian Walker on a three-year, $65 million contract.
"Walker is the clear second-best first baseman in this free agent class, behind Pete Alonso, and is sure to cash in on a big deal after some great years in Arizona. While defense is not held at a premium at first base, Walker is still elite at the position, having just won his third-straight Gold Glove," Finkelstein said.
"Along with the Gold Gloves, Walker has hit at least 25 home runs and has driven in 80 or more runs in each of the last three seasons, which would give the Yankees some more power for the middle of their lineup."
Because he is 34, Walker is set to command a shorter contract than most free agents of his skill level, which is usually good new for Arizona. But the fact that Walker hit 95 home runs in the last three years combined may still push him out of the D-Backs' price range on annual salary alone.
Regardless of where Soto lands, Arizona has an uphill battle to keep Walker. He's hitting the market at the right time, and any team that misses out on a younger superstar will be eager to add a veteran who can contribute his brand of production.
More MLB: Yankees predicted to poach Dodgers $85 million superstar to replace Juan Soto
