Arizona Diamondbacks star Christian Walker is among the top free agents available this winter and insiders say at least six teams plan to aggressively pursue him. Coming out of general manager meetings last week, Walker emerged as one of the top free agent hitters not named Pete Alonso or Juan Soto.
The three-time reigning Gold Glove winner has long been one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball. Entering his age-34 season, Walker has averaged 32 home runs over the past three seasons and is a cheaper alternative to the 29-year-old Alonso. Arizona extended a $21.05 million qualifying offer to Walker, who earned $10.9 million in his final year of arbitration in 2024. The longtime Diamondbacks infielder could accept the one-year offer, but it seems unlikely given the expected demand for him in free agency. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, there are at least six teams who plan to aggressively pursue Walker this offseason. Kiley McDaniel of ESPN predicts that he will sign a three-year deal worth $57 million.
Diamondbacks First Baseman Christian Walker Among the Top Free Agents for 2025
Nightengale reported that the New York Yankees, Washington Nationals, and the Diamondbacks are among the teams who plan to aggressively pursue Walker. He also noted that the New York Mets could throw their hat into the ring if they cannot retain Alonso. Both the Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers are searching for a new first baseman and have also expressed interest in signing Walker.
New York Yankees
For a Yankees team looking to improve its defense, Walker would be an ideal fit. New York declined their 2025 club option for first baseman Anthony Rizzo who has averaged just 80 games a season during his four-year tenure in the Bronx. Manager Aaron Boone turned to infield prospect Ben Rice after Rizzo’s forearm fracture, but he struggled more than he succeeded. Signing both Soto and Alonso is unlikely for the Yankees, so pursuing Walker would give them much-needed power and elite defense for half the cost.
Christian Walker has been a PREMIER first baseman in Arizona over the past few years, and had a STELLAR season on both sides of the ball in 2024
26 HR | 119 wRC+ | 3.0 fWAR | 7 DRS
Should the Yankees bring him in this offseason to solve their issues at first?
#Yankees pic.twitter.com/LHWe8N07TR
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) November 11, 2024
Washington Nationals
After five straight losing seasons, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo made it clear that they need more offense. Washington has not gotten a lot of production from their corner infielders and has the payroll flexibility to sign a top free agent like Walker. The veteran first baseman slashed .251/.335/.468 with 26 homers and 84 RBI in 130 games last season. Although their rebuild is far from over, signing Walker would give Washington a significant boost both on offense and defense.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Walker has spent eight seasons with the Diamondbacks and has been their everyday first baseman since 2019. Arizona made him a qualifying offer and signing him to a multi-year deal will likely be the top priority for them this offseason. Retaining Walker would also fill the holes in the Diamondbacks’ lineup following the departures of Joc Pederson and Randal Grichuk.
Photo Credit: © Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
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