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Who Will Replace Anthony Rizzo at First Base?

The Yankees are in a tough spot this offseason.

After losing in the World Series, it’s time to reload, and one big area of focus is first base.

Anthony Rizzo is gone, and now the Yankees need someone who can bring power, consistency, and maybe even a little flair to their lineup.

Two big names stand out: Josh Naylor and Christian Walker.

These two guys couldn’t be more different, but both bring serious potential to the Bronx.

Key Takeaways
  • Josh Naylor is a top trade target, with power hitting suited to Yankee Stadium.
  • Christian Walker offers elite defense and consistent offense as a free-agent option.
  • The Yankees have other moves to explore, like trading for Juan Yepez or considering Pete Alonso.

Josh Naylor: The Trade Option with Power and Personality

Remember Josh Naylor? Well, Yankees fans sure do.

He became a hated figure in the Bronx after doing his “Rock the Baby” celebration during the 2022 playoffs.

But what if he joined the Yankees?

Naylor has the energy and power that could light up Yankee Stadium—and the team knows it.

Why Naylor Fits in Pinstripes

Naylor is fresh off a career season in 2024.

He hit 31 home runs and drove 108 RBIs in 2024, all while posting a .776 OPS.

He’s a pull hitter, which is a perfect match for Yankee Stadium’s right field.

Statcast says he could’ve hit 34 home runs last year if he played all his games in the Bronx.

And no doubt that’s music to every Yankees fan’s ears.

Plus, Naylor is in the last year of his rookie deal, with an arbitration estimate of around $14.2 million.

He’s affordable, and while he might be considered a rental, the Yankees could keep him long-term if things go well.

What a Naylor Trade Could Look Like

Naylor wouldn’t break the Yankees’ prospect bank.

Chris Kirschner of The Athletic and Zach Pressnell of FanSided proposed a deal:

  • Yankees send: Will Warren (a top pitching prospect) and Trystan Vrieling (a lower-ranked prospect).
  • Guardians send: Josh Naylor.

This trade makes sense for both teams. Cleveland is already prepping Kyle Manzardo as their future first baseman, so Naylor is expendable.

The Yankees, meanwhile, get a slugger without losing top-tier prospects.

Win-win, right?

Christian Walker: The Defensive Powerhouse in Free Agency

If trades aren’t the answer, the Yankees could go after Christian Walker in free agency.

Walker is one of baseball’s best all-around first basemen, as he combines elite defense with consistent power.

Why Walker Could Be the Perfect Fit

Walker’s numbers are impressive.

He hit 26 home runs in 130 games in 2024 despite missing some time with an injury.

And he slugged 36 homers the year before, so you know the power is real.

Oh, and let’s not forget his three straight Gold Gloves at first base.

There is no question that he’s a defensive upgrade over Rizzo.

Walker is only 33 years old, meaning he’s got a few good years left in him.

And the Yankees could lock him into a deal and solidify first base for the foreseeable future.

Is He Really Better Than Rizzo?

Let’s compare them:

  • Since 2022, Walker’s WAR (11.4) crushes Rizzo’s (2.9).
  • Walker has played 126 more games, hit 43 more home runs, and driven in 130 more RBIs over the past three seasons.

Walker isn’t a little upgrade—he’s a massive one.

The Yankees lineup could’ve used his production in those tight playoff games, don’t you think?

Other Options: Yepez, Alonso, and Goldschmidt

If Naylor and Walker don’t work out, the Yankees have other paths to explore.

Let’s look at a few:

  • Juan Yepez: MLB insider Chris Kirschner suggested a trade that would send pitcher Marcus Stroman to the Nationals for Yepez. The 26-year-old is a versatile player with a solid .283 average and 6 home runs last season. While not a superstar, he could be a cost-effective platoon option at first base.
  • Pete Alonso: The Mets’ slugger has been linked to the Yankees, but he’d come with a hefty price tag. Plus, his defense isn’t great, which could be problematic for a team that values first-base defense.
  • Paul Goldschmidt: The 2024 NL MVP could be an option, but his age and cost might make the Yankees hesitate.

What’s the Yankees’ Plan?

The Yankees are no strangers to blockbuster moves, and this offseason promises to keep that reputation alive.

They’ve already locked in Gerrit Cole for the long haul, and now they need to figure out first base.

Will they trade for the fiery and powerful Josh Naylor or opt for the steady, defensively elite Christian Walker in free agency?

The mission is clear—build a roster capable of bringing home a championship in 2025.

If the Yankees can also re-sign Juan Soto, they’ll be the team to beat in the American League.

But if they miss on these moves, it could be a long road back to the top.

So, Yankees fans, buckle up—it will be an offseason full of big decisions and maybe a few surprises.

Who do you think should be the Yankees’ next first baseman?

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Paulius is an experienced sports content writer with an MSc in Performance Analysis of Sports. He has worked as an online sports journalist for well-known sports websites such as Total Football Analysis, Sports Mole and others. He has been a sports enthusiast since the age of six, which has naturally led him to choose sports as a career path.