Diamondbacks $72M superstar predicted to ditch Arizona in favor of Yankees

The Arizona Diamondbacks can't help but feel as though they missed a golden opportunity.

Coming off a surprise World Series appearance in 2023, the Diamondbacks were technically even better this season. Their offense ranked first in batting average and several other statistical categories this year, but they stumbled late and missed the postseason by a single game.

Now, with the division rival Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres poised to contend for championships for years to come, the D-Backs face an uphill battle to stay relevant in the National League playoff picture. And things could get even harder if their top home run hitter bolts in free agency.

First baseman Christian Walker has been a revelation for Arizona in recent years, clubbing 95 home runs and winning a trio of Gold Gloves since the start of 2022. But the D-Backs could face stiff competition to bring him back in free agency, including the defending American League champs.

The New York Yankees are searching for a new first baseman, and Zach Pressnell of FanSided recently predicted that they would land Walker this winter as part of their "dream lineup."

"Signing (Juan) Soto would take (the Yankees) out of the running to sign (Pete) Alonso to a contract worth north of $150 million. But it wouldn't take them out of the running to sign Walker to a three or four-year contract worth less than $100 million," Pressnell said.

"Walker is a three-time reigning Gold Glove winner who's posted an OPS+ of 100 or higher in five of the last six seasons... (With) him entering free agency, the Diamondbacks likely won't be able to re-sign him. New York lands him in this dream scenario."

Because he turns 34 in March, Walker's age puts him in a difficult position to land a long-term deal. His performance merits a sizable financial commitment in the short term, though, as Jim Bowden of The Athletic projects him for a three-year, $72 million contract.

There's no doubt the Yankees are willing to offer such a financial commitment to Walker, regardless of whether or not they are able to re-sign Soto. Whether the D-Backs are willing to match or exceed that offer could be the biggest question of the winter in the desert.

More MLB: Yankees predicted to pull off blockbuster trade for Cardinals 8-time All-Star