Boston Red Sox Rumors: 4 impact first basemen to target at trade deadline

3. Christian Walker, Arizona Diamondbacks

If the Arizona Diamondbacks are sellers at the 2022 MLB Trade Deadline a player most teams will pick up the phone and inquire about is first baseman Christian Walker.

Under contract through 2024, the 31-year-old slugger would check off two boxes for the Boston Red Sox.  He would add a power bat in the middle of the lineup this season and could serve as the team’s DH beyond this season if J.D. Martinez walks in free agency.

Although he isn’t hitting any better than Dalbec with a .209 batting average, his 21 homers and 43 RBI would add even more punch to a lineup centered around Rafael Devers, Martinez, Xander Bogaerts and Trevor Story.

Given his current contract, this would be a relatively cheap acquisition for Chaim Bloom and one that could at least give the Red Sox some stability at first base.  If the Diamondbacks are willing to part ways, Bloom could offer Dalbec or a prospect or two for the services of Walker who should be even more productive playing in Fenway Park, especially if he picks up that batting average and is more like the .242 career hitter he has been in his career.

Obviously, Christian Walker is not the top choice here at first base, but he is the type of player Bloom would target at the right price and like Kyle Schwarber a year ago, could give a jolt of energy to an already potent offense…when everyone is hitting.

Definitely, a name to watch ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline, especially if the Diamondbacks fall further in the standings.