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.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal suggests that free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, who is from the eastern part of Pennsylvania, could be an ideal fit for the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team looking for upgrades on offense. However, many other teams will be interested in Walker this offseason, including both New York teams if they lose out on superstar free-agent outfielder Juan Soto. The Pirates expect outfielder Bryan Reynolds to play some first base in 2025, but ideally, the Bucs are looking to add a first baseman and a corner outfielder this offseason. The 33-year-old Walker turned down the Arizona Diamondbacks' $21.50 million qualifying offer, so if Pittsburgh signs him, they'll give up draft compensation. Walker has been a model of power consistency in recent seasons, although an oblique injury hampered him down the stretch in 2024. A move to Pittsburgh wouldn't be ideal for fantasy, but he'll still be a decent target at the position once the elite names come off the board.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi likes free-agent first baseman Christian Walker as a fit for the New York Yankees this offseason, whether or not they end up re-signing superstar outfielder Juan Soto. The Arizona Diamondbacks extended a $21.05 million qualifying offer to Walker, so if the Yankees or any other team scoop him up, the D-backs will receive draft-pick compensation. Walker represents a nice fallback option for teams looking to add a first-base power bat this offseason that don't want to pony up to pay free-agent first baseman Pete Alonso. The 33-year-old doesn't have the type of power upside that Alonso has, but Walker is an elite, Gold Glove-caliber defender at the cold corner and has 30-plus homers in two of the last three seasons. A move to the Bronx and the Yankees' stacked lineup would certainly give Walker more fantasy upside in 2025 and beyond.