The Yankees interest in was reported on last month, but it wasnt until signed with the Mets that the Yankees were seemingly able to devote more attention to other position-player targets. The change of focus apparently happened pretty quickly, as writes that the Yankees renewed contract discu Derrick Coleman Jersey sions with Walkers camp on Sunday evening, which was the same time that news broke of Sotos record $765MM contract. While the pitching and hitting markets arent exactly the same, the Bombers with is easy evidence that New York has been able to quickly pivot into the rest of its target list with Soto off the board. First base help and lineup help in general are both needs, and signing Walker would addre s both i sues in one fell swoop. Frieds deal adds another wrinkle to the Yankees pursuit of Walker, or who rejected a qualifying offer. Because New York was a luxury tax payor in 2024 and because Fried turned down the Braves QO, the Yankees had to give up $1MM in international bonus pool money as well as their second- and fifth-highest picks in the 2025 draft in order to complete the signing. Inking Walker to a deal would cost the Yankees another $1MM in intl pool funds, as well as two more draft picks their third- and sixth-highest selections. As much of a hit this could be to New Yorks 2025 draft plans, Brian Cashmans front office might view it as a nece sary cost in order to capitalize on the teams contention window. Fried adds another top-flight arm to pair with atop a deep Yankee rotation, is still arguably the best hitter in the sport, has a bounce-back 2024 season, and a younger core of , , , and (New York hopes) can all contribute both now and in the future. Walker would represent another big piece to this puzzle, bringing both elite first-base defense and a strong bat. Walker is turning 34 in March but hasnt shown signs of slowing down, plus his age might be a feature and not a bug in terms of the Yankees needs. said that a shorter-term contract might be more preferable for the Yankees than a longer deal for a younger first base option, which is why Morosi notes that Walker is more of a priority for the Yankees than would be. Rodions Kurucs Jersey