Latest rumors suggest Nationals could make surprising free agency splash

The Hot Stove just continues to heat up for the Washington Nationals. Just days after being named as a potential landing spot for Houston Astros' third baseman Alex Bregman, the Nats are back in the thick of free agency rumors, this time being named as a potential spot for Arizona Diamondbacks' first baseman Christian Walker.

According to a recent article from Bob Nightengale for USA Today, the Washington Nationals are expected to be among a group of 6 teams who plan to "aggressively pursue Walker," as many teams believe that due to his age and likely a lower ceiling overall will come at a fraction of the price that Pete Alonso will command. While it's too early to tell who should be favored in the Christian Walker sweepstakes, it's at least encouraging that the club appears to be involved with some big name free agents early on, calming the fears of many fans.

There are at least six teams who plan to aggressively pursue Walker, with everyone involved from the New York Yankees to the Diamondbacks to the Washington Nationals, believing he’ll come at less than half the price of Alonso.

Walker, who has been written about numerous times on this site, would fill a very obvious need for the Nationals at first base, a position that has been somewhat of a black hole since the retirement of Ryan Zimmerman. Sure, the duo of Juan Yepez and Andres Chaparro is serviceable, but if you have a chance to spend real money to upgrade that position, you do it.

Simply put, Walker would be a significant upgrade in all facets. He has won the last 3 Gold Glove awards at first base, and over the last 3 seasons has really become a model of consistency at the plate. He has posted an OPS over .800 and has slugged an average of 33 homers per season over the last 3 years, with 2024 being the lowest of the 3, although he did play in 27 less games than last season. His numbers would have been even better if he had played the full season, but he was one of the key cogs for a solid Diamondbacks team this past season.

The only downside to signing Walker is that he is a bit older, and will be 34 right after Opening Day 2025. However, to me this works perfectly in that the Nats would likely be able to land him on a shorter term deal, buying more time for prospects on the farm like Yohandy Morales to become major league ready. I think of this potential fit similar to that of Adam LaRoche back in 2011, who signed a 2-year, $16M contract, and then re-upped with the club in 2013 for 2 years, $24M. LaRoche was a veteran signing whose previous team was also the Arizona Diamondbacks, and was able to give the Nationals his final good years before ending his career with the White Sox in 2015.

Should the Nationals sign Christian Walker? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.