After losing the Juan Soto free agency sweepstakes, the New York Yankees are shifting their focus to the need for a first baseman.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that New York has reopened contract negotiations with Gold Glove first baseman Christian Walker; The Yankees had previously declined Anthony Rizzo’s $17 million option for the 2025 season and instead paid him a $6 million buyout.

This report comes after Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported on Monday that the Yankees have no plans to target free agent first baseman Pete Alonso.

Walker, 33, was originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of the 2012 MLB Draft. He spent eight seasons in the major leagues, playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and he’s had two great years in a row with the bat.

During the 2024 season, Walker slashed .251/.335/.468 with 26 home runs and 84 RBI in 130 games. The first baseman is also just three years away from hitting 36 home runs (the most in his career) and two seasons in which he posted a career-high 103 RBI; Last year, Walker helped lead the Diamondbacks to the World Series, where they lost to the Texas Rangers in five games.

Sherman also wrote that while Walker wouldn’t be “perfect” for the Bronx Bombers as he would be another right-handed hitter in their lineup, he also brings a rock-solid glove. The veteran is often considered the league’s best defensive first baseman and has won three straight NL Gold Glove Awards at the position.

Since the Yankees’ only options at first base are rookie Ben Rice and utility hitter Oswaldo Cabrera, bringing in the strength and defense of Walker would be a big improvement for New York at first base.