The New York Yankees are still in the running to land the best free agent in baseball this summer.

Originally owned by Hal Steinbrenner will meet Soto and his manager Scott Boras after the duo had face-to-face meetings with New York Mets owner Steve Cohen. But there is reason to believe it may be too late for Steinbrenner. Cohen, Major League Baseball’s richest owner, could make an offer so big for Soto that the slugger would have no choice but to defect to the Yankees’ crosstown rival for 2025 and beyond.

But such a scenario could have a positive side for New York. Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report guess The Yankees will lose Soto to the Mets, thus gaining the opportunity to sign first baseman Christian Walker as a significant upgrade over veteran Anthony Rizzo, who is now a free agent.

“The Yankees are unlikely to pursue Walker if they can convince Soto to re-sign and continue his career with the organization,” Beaston said. “Prediction: Yankees sign Walker to replace Anthony Rizzo, making up for not getting Soto.”

Walker hit .250/.330/.463 in his 10 major league seasons, making his offensive production very different from Soto’s. But Walker won a Gold Glove Award in each of the last three seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks and offers the defensive talent the Yankees lack heading into the 2024 season.

“A prolific hitter who is widely regarded as the best defensive first baseman in baseball, the 33-year-old Walker is a late bloomer ready to sign a three-year deal,” Jeff Passan said. noted for ESPN. “For a Yankees team looking to improve its defense, the three-time Gold Glove winner would be an ideal fit.”

Walker, who is available on a shorter-term deal at a much lower price range than Soto, could give the Yankees some leeway to add multiple free-agent pieces this winter. Jon Heyman of the New York Post predicted Walker earned a three-year, $60 million deal, making him a relatively low-risk option.

The Yankees will certainly prioritize a new deal for Soto, but so will the Mets and other teams. If Steinbrenner and the front office can’t sign the biggest contract, they will lose him to someone else.

This could be a blessing in disguise, giving the Yankees the momentum and financial ability to add a defensive upgrade like Walker, as well as some other peripheral pieces. These additions could make a difference in 2025 and help the Yankees return to the World Series with a championship.

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