Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker put himself within the nationwide highlight this week by persevering with his dominance of the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.
However for as spectacular as his hitting is in Chavez Ravine, he is not only a one-trick pony. He can hit all over the place, and there are fairly a number of contenders round Main League Baseball that must be involved in buying and selling for him earlier than the July 30, 6 p.m. ET commerce deadline.
Walker is a free agent after this season, and with the Diamondbacks dealing with an uphill climb within the Nationwide League playoff race, he figures to be one of many prime gamers accessible.
Let’s discuss 4 groups that must be after him.
Houston Astros
The Astros are making a speedy climb up the American League West standings and usually are not going to go away with out a struggle. However with Jose Abreu’s play falling off a cliff, they’ve a big gap of their lineup at first base.
In response to baseball insider Jon Heyman, Walker is on the prime of the Astros’ wishlist and would characterize an enormous improve over what they’re at present getting from stopgap possibility Jon Singleton. Walker’s .871 OPS is his third consecutive yr over the .800 mark, whereas he’s on tempo to hit 30 house runs for a 3rd straight yr.
Seattle Mariners
Talking of American League West groups, the staff that’s attempting to carry off the Astros — Seattle — also needs to be out there for Walker if he’s accessible.
The Mariners don’t simply have a gap at first base. Their whole lineup is a query mark and at present sits twenty seventh within the Main Leagues in runs scored. There may be not a single participant on their roster having a season that’s on the identical degree as Walker’s, and he would possibly immediately develop into one of the best hitter of their lineup. They should do one thing to carry off the Astros and never give away the division.
New York Yankees
The Yankees are mired in a month-long stoop that has actually began to reveal their flaws offensively. They’re at present utilizing latest call-up Ben Rice at first base instead of the injured Anthony Rizzo, however neither participant is the reply for this season.
First base is simply one of many many positions the Yankees must improve, and it additionally occurs to be the one with essentially the most potential commerce choices proper now with Walker, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and maybe even Josh Bell as gamers prone to be on the block. The Yankees have two MVP candidates in Aaron Choose and Juan Soto, however they can not carry the staff alone. They need assistance.
Kansas Metropolis Royals
The Royals spent large this offseason on their beginning pitching rotation, and it has helped propel them into the American League playoff race.
Now, they should make an enormous funding of their offense.
Whereas a rental won’t be the perfect answer for them, their pitching workers might make them a formidable playoff opponent. They simply want to ensure they get there and have sufficient offense to make a run in the event that they do.
They’ve Vinnie Pasquantino enjoying first base proper now, and whereas he has been good, he’s removed from the game-changing presence that anyone like Walker could possibly be. His .746 OPS is greater than 100 factors decrease than Walker’s, whereas he has simply 10 house runs to Walker’s 22.
The Royals might compete if they’re prepared to make one other daring transfer.
