With Juan Soto now traded to the New York Mets, the pressure is on Brian Cashman to prevent this offseason from becoming a complete failure for the New York Yankees. Soto was an exceptional talent, rare on the open market and irreplaceable, so if Cashman is to fill that void and calm an angry fanbase, it will require a major effort at the Winter Meetings and beyond. It’s no surprise, then, that with trade talks surrounding Chicago White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet intensifying, the Yankees are determined to secure a deal. According to The Athletic, both the Yankees and Mets are among the top contenders for Crochet, setting the stage for a cross-town bidding war that Cashman cannot afford to lose. However, the Yankees face a challenge: their farm system, while decent, isn’t the deepest, especially considering the many gaps in their Major League roster. To outbid competitors for Crochet without depleting both the present and future, Cashman will need to get creative. Fortunately, one potential move could help in a big way.
Cashman’s top free-agent target at the Winter Meetings appears to be former Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker, with discussions reportedly heating up on Tuesday afternoon. A deal could be finalized before the meetings conclude. Walker is a logical fit for the Yankees. The team needs an upgrade at first base, and the 33-year-old has been one of the most consistent hitters in recent years, posting an OPS+ of 120 or higher over the past three seasons and hitting 95 home runs in that period. He’s also an elite defensive first baseman, and his age means he could come at a lower cost than someone like Pete Alonso.
Beyond the upgrade Walker provides, his addition could offer the Yankees valuable flexibility. With Walker manning first base for at least the next two to three years, the team could make one of its top young prospects, Ben Rice, available. While it’s unclear if the White Sox would want Rice in a potential trade for Crochet, the 2024 struggles of the former 12th-round pick may not diminish his value. Rice has excelled in the minors, regularly posting on-base percentages over .400 and possessing some catching experience. Though Rice wouldn’t be the centerpiece of a deal, the Yankees need all the assets they can gather, including top prospects like Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones, to outbid the Mets and other competitors for Crochet. Walker could provide the right mix for the present and future, helping Cashman maneuver for the right trades.
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