Free Agent Profile: Christian Walker, 1B

Christian Walker, 1B

Position: 1B B/T: R/R
Age: 33 (03/28/1991)

2024 Traditional Stats: 552 PA, .251/.335/.468/.803, 120 H, 26 HR, 84 RBI
2024 Advanced Stats: 119 WRC+, 24.1% SO%, 10.0% BB%, .287 BABIP, .354 xwOBA, 3.0 fWAR, 13 OAA

Rundown

The Mets may not see first base as their top priority, but with Pete Alonso testing the free agent market, they need a contingency plan. Whether Alonso re-signs or Mark Vientos steps in, the Mets should explore every option—and one intriguing possibility is Christian Walker.

Walker emerged in Arizona as the successor to Paul Goldschmidt, who departed for St. Louis and quickly established himself as the perfect heir apparent. After spending years in the minors with Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta, and Arizona, blocked by names like Mark Trumbo, Chris Davis, Freddie Freeman, Joey Votto, and Goldschmidt, Walker finally got to shine. And he delivered.

Since his breakout 2019 campaign, Walker has become one of the game’s most underrated stars, combining elite defense with consistent power. Over the last three seasons, he has averaged 32 home runs and a 119 wRC+, alongside a steady .250/.332/.481 line. Injuries, such as a 2024 oblique strain, have slightly cut into his playing time, but when healthy, Walker has been among the league’s most dependable first basemen.

In 2024, Walker shined, appearing in 130 games and tallied 552 plate appearances with a solid .251/.335/.468 slash line.He contributed 26 home runs, 84 RBIs, and posted a 119 wRC+. Defensively, he was as steady as ever, recording +13 Outs Above Average, further cementing his reputation as one of the best fielders at first base. Overall, Walker delivered a 3.0 fWAR season, reinforcing his value as both a powerful hitter and a premier defender.

Defensively, Walker is in a league of his own. Since 2019, he has led all first basemen with 58 Outs Above Average —nearly triple the second-place finisher. He’s won three consecutive Gold Gloves, with his 2024 campaign cementing his reputation through elite metrics like 13 OAA and seven Defensive Runs Saved. His combination of strong defense and consistent offense makes him one of the most complete and coveted players in his position.

Walker’s offensive numbers over the last three seasons are strikingly similar to those of Alonso, his main competitor on the free-agent market. While Alonso has a slight edge in OPS+ (131 to 123) and home runs, Walker counters with more doubles and triples and vastly superior defense. Walker’s WAR from 2022-2024 (10.8) surpasses Alonso’s (8.7).

Walker’s profile is unique, especially as a free agent entering his age-34 season. He offers consistent power, elite defense, and a balanced offensive approach, making him an attractive option for teams looking to upgrade at first base. For the Mets—or any team weighing their options at the position—Walker could be more than just an alternative to Alonso if he doesn’t re-sign. He might be their top pick if that becomes the situation in New York.

Contract

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Walker could command a three-year, $60 million contract in free agency. The primary question mark surrounding Walker isn’t his performance, but rather his age. He played the 2024 season at 33 and will turn 34 during spring training in 2025. If he were a few years younger, Walker’s elite defense might even place him ahead of Pete Alonso in free-agent rankings.

Contracts of this length and value for players in their mid-30s, particularly first basemen or designated hitters, are uncommon but not unprecedented. For comparison, José Abreu signed a three-year, $58.5 million deal starting at age 36, though that contract quickly became incredibly problematic.

Meanwhile, Edwin Encarnación and Carlos Santana each landed three-year, $60 million deals, with Encarnación beginning at age 34 and Santana at 32. Walker’s situation fits these precedents, but some might foresee that he’ll stay the course and not hit a sharp decline like the players mentioned, as his defense and bat still hold up well, even with age and injuries coming to the forefront.

Recommendation

The Mets appear eager to retain Pete Alonso at first base, but there’s a real possibility he could accept an offer elsewhere and leave New York. If that happens, the Mets should act quickly to address the vacancy, and Christian Walker could be an ideal solution. A short-term, cost-effective contract for a player who ranks among the top five first basemen in the league and still has plenty left in the tank would be a smart move for the team.

Given the Mets’ reported interest in Walker in past seasons, it makes sense to revisit him as an option to solidify the roster. Adding Walker would fill a potential void and align with the team’s ambition to make bold moves in free agency. If landing a player like Walker is part of the Mets’ contingency plan, it’s a sign that the franchise is setting itself up for success moving forward.

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