Yankees Mailbag: Is a Christian Walker pursuit likely?

SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino answers Yankees questions from readers…

Would you consider Carlos Santana or Christian Walker a more likely target for the Yankees at first base? – @RyanGarciaESM

It’s early to say which of those two is a more likely target, because that comes down to price, market and timing, but the more salient point is not just that both are nice fits for the Yankees, but why they are. For decades, the team has preferred a strong defender at first (think Mattingly, Martinez, Teixeira, Rizzo).

Once in a while, the front office will identify a player with other tools that are so strong, like Jason Giambi’s on-base skills and leadership, that it makes sense to override the emphasis on defense. But when a pair of Gold Glove-caliber veterans appear on the open market, it’s very easy to imagine the Yankees bidding for both and landing one.

That’s often how this kind of thing works in free agency — a team will engage on several comparable starting pitchers or relievers or catchers or first basemen, and agree to terms with the one whose agent calls the GM first, or whose price comes a tiny bit down at the perfect time.

Any thought of moving Aaron Judge to first base? – @figgz00

So, this is the second part of the same question. One of the reasons that it makes sense for the Yankees to sign a veteran first baseman on a relatively short-term deal is that the organization has long considered, but back-burnered, the concept that first base is Judge’s ultimate destination as he gets deeper into his 30s.

In a sense, that is a shame, because he is an elite right fielder with a plus arm. Juan Soto is not an elite right fielder, but he forces Judge out of position in center if he re-signs. Scouts hold varied opinions on whether Soto could play a decent first base, and Judge’s superior athleticism, footwork and height suggest he would be the better option at first. But that’s likely a conversation in a few years (like, after Santana’s or Walker’s contract expires?)

Do you think it’s possible for The Yankees to make it back to the World Series without Juan Soto? – @NickLombardiSES

Oh yes. Absolutely. Same goes for the Mets, Blue Jays and any other team looking to add Soto’s Hall of Fame-caliber bat. Outfield defense is one of those semi-hidden but very important ways that teams win championships, and a Soto-Judge-Dominguez outfield would present a challenge in that regard.