Major League Baseball's offseason continues Monday. And with it the rumor mill. Below, CBS Sports has compiled all of the day's most notable moves, news and notes. Scroll slowly with us, won't you?
Walker sparks interest Yankeesother
Count the Yankees among the teams interested in a free agent first baseman Christian Walker, according to USA Today. Nightengale notes that at least five other clubs are also interested in Walker, including the incumbent Diamondbacks And Nationals. (The Mets might also show interest depending on what happens Pete Alonso.) The Yankees in particular are looking for replacements Anthony Rizzowho became a free agent at the end of the season.
CBS Sports recently ranked Walker as the 18th best free agent available. (Note that these rankings are based in part on expected AAV, meaning Walker's profile worked against a higher ranking despite good production.) :
In the last five offseasons, there has been exactly one righty-hitting first baseman who has signed a contract longer than two years: Jose Abreu Houston Astros. The less written about how this deal has aged, the better. Pete Alonso should do it for the second time this offseason; Can Walker count to three? We're skeptical, although it's not a denial of his talent. Walker is coming off a great three-year run, showcasing his skills on both base and slugging. We don't want to minimize his story either – remember, this is someone who was eligible for time off relief three times in one month in 2017. Our pessimism comes from Walker's upcoming 34th birthday. Teams haven't shown an inclination to commit to right-right first basemen on a regular basis. We have no reason to believe Walker will be an exception.
Walker, 33, has posted an OPS+ of 120 or better in each of the last three seasons.
The Braves have acquired Infield Gloveman Nick Allen from the athletics, The team announced this on Monday. The 26-year-old Allen isn't a particularly good hitter (career: .537 OPS), although he's a standout defender at the three non-first infield positions. He will fill in as the backup infielder for Atlanta Ozzie Albies in the second moment, Orlando Arcia in short, and Austin Riley on the third.
The A's received a hard-throwing Single-A reliever Jared Johnson in trade. The 23-year-old struck out 61 batters in 52 innings in 2024.
