MLB Trade Rumors: Top 3 Landing Spots for Christian Walker

Once Pete Alonso is off the board, Christian Walker is far and away the next best bat available in free agency at first base.

Going into his age-34 season, his contract term will be limited, but coming off three straight excellent offensive seasons and three consecutive Gold Gloves, teams will still be clamoring for Walker. He's had an OPS of over .800 over that period, and an OPS+ of over 120 in each of those years.

Let's take a look, as the market rounds into shape, at Walker's top 3 likely landing spots.

New York Yankees

If the Bronx Bombers lose Juan Soto to their crosstown rival the Mets, they have a comprehensive Plan B that they'll pivot to, and one part of that extensive backup plan includes inking Walker. First base has been a big hole in their lineup in recent seasons, and the former Diamondback would be a huge addition here to help fill some of the missing offense from the loss of Soto.

Seattle Mariners

First base has been a problem area for the M's as well, and they even DFA'd Ty France this past summer, and wound up trading him to the Cincinnati Reds. In fact, offense in general has been a big issue for the team. Walker can help on both counts in Seattle.

Houston Astros

Yet another contender with a first base problem. The Astros had to dump former AL MVP Jose Abreu this past season and eat tens of millions of dollars on a disastrous contract. Abreu, at 37, wasn't aging well, to say the least, and hit just .124 in 35 games. They could try a do-over with another older first baseman in Walker, but at 34, he hasn't shown any signs whatsoever of slowing down.