The Yankees are expected to bolster the infield with the three-time Gold Glove winner valued at $66 million

The New York Yankees need to replace outfielder Juan Soto’s performance in their 2025 roster. Could some of this be due to Christian Walker being brought to the Bronx so he could be the club’s first baseman?

New York’s infield is pretty shaky right now, with second baseman Gleyber Torres and first baseman Anthony Rizzo being free agents. First base was a black hole for the Yankees in 2024 – five players combined for a WAR of -1.1, according to FanGraphs.

Walker would be a huge improvement for Yankees manager Aaron Boone because he can contribute in a variety of ways on the field. He has won three consecutive Gold Glove Awards since 2022, averaging 32 home runs, 29 doubles, 94 RBI and 81 runs batted in with an .814 OPS during that time. The 33-year-old veteran has been linked to the Yankees several times since free agency opened. Is he destined to end up in the Bronx? FanSided’s Michael Brakebill agrees.

“The New York Yankees need a first baseman, and if they want to make a big splash, they can trade for Cody Bellinger and sign Christian Walker,” Brakebill wrote. “Their starting lineup is already one of the best in the league, and by adding Walker to a lineup that most likely features Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Bellinger, they can keep the good times rolling in the Bronx. Walker has 95 home runs and 285 RBIs in his last three seasons and three consecutive Gold Gloves.

Spotrac expects the hard-hitting first baseman to sign a three-year, $66 million contract this winter.

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