The New York Mets already won the offseason by signing Juan Soto to a historic deal. However, they may continue to torture the New York Yankees by signing one of their top free-agent targets.
The Mets signed Soto to a 15-year, $765 million contract. While it may prohibit them from spending on other free agents, it would be foolish to rule Steve Cohen out of consideration. FanSided’s Michael Brakebill pushed the team to sign Arizona Diamondbacks’ Christian Walker, who is rumored to be a target of the Yankees.
In November, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale said that if the Yankees were unable to sign Soto, they would look to Walker and other players to replace his output.
“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,” according to Nightengale.
Walker is a three-time Gold Glover who would be a less expensive option to Pete Alonso. While the Mets may still be able to spend, it is unreasonable to believe they can maintain Alonso while also paying Soto.
“With Soto’s monumental contract, landing Walker on a three-year deal instead of five for Alonso is beneficial in not keeping too much money locked up for too long,” according to
Brakebill. “Even if you’re Steve Cohen and don’t want to invest, damaging your team as little as possible is still preferable. Walker hits for a better average, still has a lot of pop, and plays excellent first base defensively.”
Spotrac expects Walker will get a three-year, $66 million contract in free agency. Last season, he blasted 26 home runs and 84 RBIs in 130 games. He has 147 career home runs and has had an OPS above.800 the last three years.
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