Christian Walker's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

According to Peter Gammons of the MLB Network, the Seattle Mariners would "love" to acquire free-agent first baseman Christian Walker. However, Gammons noted that the first baseman is currently out of their price range, but trading starting pitcher Luis Castillo could open enough space on the books for the infielder. Castillo's name has been circling around trade discussions all offseason, and it could make sense given Seattle's depth at that position. Last summer, Walker held a solid .251/.335/.468 slash line with 26 home runs. Under the hood, the 33-year-old generated a .351 xwOBA, a 13.3% barrel rate, and a 48.0% hard-hit rate. Walker would provide some nice, consistent power to the Seattle lineup. The Yankees have also been a team that has expressed interest in the 33-year-old.

With the New York Yankees failing to re-sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto, they have renewed contract negotiations with free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, according to sources. In addition to Walker, the Yankees are multi-tasking on pitchers and hitters as they look to make a big splash to try and replace some of Soto's production. If the 2025 season began today, Ben Rice would be New York's starting first baseman. But if the Yankees sign Walker, it could allow them to dangle Rice in a trade for a pitcher such as Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. Walker turns 34 in March and is likely to receive no less than a three-year deal. The Yankees would prefer if he were left-handed, but he's been a consistent power threat over the last few seasons and has won the last three National League Gold Gloves at first base. A move to the Bronx would give Walker even more fantasy upside.

The Detroit Tigers have kicked the tires on free-agent first baseman Christian Walker this offseason as they search for a right-handed bat. However, the Tigers may not be willing to get aggressive enough for Walker if big-market teams get involved in the bidding. Walker is considered more of a long shot for Detroit because he'll come with draft-pick compensation after he declined the Arizona Diamondbacks' one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer. If Detroit cannot find a right-handed bat on the cheap in free agency, they could turn to the trade market for someone like Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm, Marlins corner infielder Jake Burger, Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz or Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle. As things currently stand, the Tigers have Matt Vierling and Jace Jung at third and Spencer Torkelson at first base.