Juan Soto’s booming market will force other star free agents on hold
NY Post
There is no indication — yet — that Juan Soto’s free agency will stretch deep into the offseason, as some major free agencies have done in the past.
Still, until the superstar lands a new deal, in New York or elsewhere, at least some of the other available free agents could end up stuck in a holding pattern.
For instance, if the Yankees miss out on Soto, they could turn to Christian Walker to take over for Anthony Rizzo at first base.
But with Walker expected to fetch a multiyear deal worth at least $20 million per season (The Post’s Jon Heyman pegged an estimate at three years, $60 million), the 33-year-old will almost certainly have more teams interested once Soto has a spot.
Walker would fit a Yankees infield that is set to lose Gleyber Torres at second base, as well as Rizzo at first, with both hitting free agency after the Yankees exercised a $6 million buyout of the final year of Rizzo’s contract.
Walker could also be a Mets target if another local free agent, Pete Alonso, doesn’t end up back in Queens.
As Frankie Montas surveyed his options as a free agent, he gave his buddy and fellow free agent Sean Manaea a call.
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Is this going to matter?
Pete Alonso still needs a job.