The Yankees force Christian Walker to step forward as the Juan Soto turnaround begins

The Yankees force Christian Walker to step forward as the Juan Soto turnaround begins

With Juan Soto off the board, the Yankees renewed contract negotiations with free agent first baseman Christian Walker on Sunday night, The Post has learned.

Walker is far from the only player the Yankees are pursuing in free agency and trades.

And the Yankees are dealing with pitchers and hitters as they try to reallocate some of the money they offered Soto after the hard-hitting outfielder decided to commit to pinstripes for the Mets’ 15-year, $765 million package leave behind.


Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker hit a solo home run in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field
The Yankees are interested in Christian Walker. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Still, Walker is a player in whom the Yankees have more than just casual interest.

Walker isn’t a perfect fit for the Yankees. It would be better if he was a lefty swinger. He turns 34 in March and is expected to receive a three-year contract.


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But Walker has also won the last three NL Gold Gloves for the first time, reflecting his defensive excellence.

Over the last three seasons, Walker has 95 homers and a 123 OPS-plus compared to Pete Alonso, who has 120 homers and a 131 OPS-plus, but less WAR (10.2) compared to Walker (11.4), who is the superior defender and base is runner.


New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, number 20, sits in the dugout after hitting a two-run RBI single from outfielder Starling Marte, number 6, in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field
Pete Alonso is also a free agent. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

Walker also has a reputation for having a great clubhouse presence.

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