Both the New York Yankees and New York Mets are expected to target power-hitting first baseman in free agency.
With both teams needing a new first baseman after Anthony Rizzo and Pete Alonso entered free agency, the Yankees and Mets have shown interest in signing Alonso. However, according to MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the two rivals may end up in a bidding war for Walker.
“At least six teams, including the Yankees, Diamondbacks, and Washington Nationals, are expected to aggressively pursue Walker, who is projected to be significantly more affordable than Alonso. This could lead to a bidding war between the Yankees and Mets,” Nightengale reported.
Walker would fill a key need for both teams, serving as their starting first baseman. Last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Walker posted a .251 average with 26 home runs and 84 RBIs, with career highs of 36 home runs in 2022 and 103 RBIs in 2023.
What is Walker Expected to Get in Free Agency?
Walker, at 33 years old, is expected to secure a multi-year contract in free agency.
In their annual free agent predictions, MLBTradeRumors projects the first baseman signing a three-year, $60 million contract.
“The only reason Walker appears limited to a three-year deal is due to his age,” the article states. “He played the recent season at 33 and will turn 34 by spring training next year. If he were younger, he might be ranked ahead of Alonso due to his significantly better defense. Although three-year deals for first basemen or designated hitters at this age are uncommon, they generally fall within the same range.”
The article notes other examples: “Jose Abreu received a $58.5 million contract starting at age 36, while Edwin Encarnacion and Carlos Santana each signed three-year, $60 million deals—Encarnacion starting at age 34 and Santana at 32. Walker is expected to receive a similar three-year contract worth around $20 million per year, give or take a small margin.”
The Athletic, however, predicts Walker will sign a two-year, $44 million deal.
In the end, Walker seems poised for a two- or three-year deal with an annual average salary close to $20 million.
Yankees Declined Rizzo’s Option
The Yankees are likely to pursue Walker, given their decision not to pick up Anthony Rizzo’s contract option. Rizzo had a $17 million option for 2025, but New York declined it, leaving a gap at first base. In response, the team has also reached out to Alonso in free agency to address this need.
After Game 5 of the World Series, Rizzo expressed his desire to stay with the Yankees, saying, “To wear this jersey is something special that I wish every baseball player gets to feel, because it’s a different feeling, wearing this jersey,” he shared. “I love playing here, I love being a Yankee, I love what comes with it. I love the standard that has been set here from all the generations, the great Yankees in the past. Yeah, this could very well be [the end of his Yankees tenure]. I’m a realist. I’m not naive to it. But I think all that will shape out when the time is right.”
In 92 games last season, Rizzo hit .228 with 8 home runs and 35 RBIs.
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