Diamondbacks unlikely to bring back both Christian Walker and Joc Pederson

It is apparent the Arizona Diamondbacks’ lineup will look a bit differently next season.

Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro said on Thursday’s Burns & Gambo there is no chance the D-backs re-sign both free agents Christian Walker and Joc Pederson. The possibility remains they bring back one half of the power-hitting duo that contributed to the top scoring offense in the league.

Walker declined Arizona’s qualifying offer last month — the D-backs will receive a draft pick if he signs elsewhere — and he entered free agency ahead of his age 34 season with his best opportunity to cash in. The veteran has won three straight Gold Gloves and has been a consistent power threat with 95 homers and an OPS of .813 since the start of 2022.

There are plenty of suitors for Walker with the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros among teams rumored or reported to have interest in signing him. Spotrac projected his market value at three years, $66.2 million, which has been close to projections from many national outlets.

What are the chances the Diamondbacks retain Christian Walker and Joc Pederson this offseason? pic.twitter.com/Oj8cI9HmhG

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) December 5, 2024

Pederson declined a $14 million mutual option after a career-best .908 OPS in 2024. He was a left-handed platoon designated hitter who played no defense, and he still managed 2.9 bWAR with his offensive value proving critical for Arizona amassing 886 runs as a team.

The question surrounding Pederson is whether he will cash in a great season for a coveted multi-year contract or sign a one-year deal as he did with Arizona last winter.

The D-backs’ payroll is expected to remain competitive with last year’s record $172.8 million, general manager Mike Hazen told Wolf & Luke last month.

Spotrac projects the current payroll (including arbitration) at $143.4 million, and bringing back both Walker and Pederson would likely push well past last year’s mark without trading significant salary. And that’s without any other signings or trades to address the bullpen, for example. Outfielder Randal Grichuk, who platooned with Pederson, is also a free agent after declining a $6 million option and someone else to consider bringing back.

Trading starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery and his $22.5 million contract would create some flexibility. Getting a trade finalized sooner than later brings the benefit of clearing money while options aplenty remain on the open market.

Most of the Diamondbacks’ offense from a year ago remains under contract long term. They picked up a player option worth $15 million for Eugenio Suarez to rejoin Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, Gabriel Moreno, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Geraldo Perdomo and Jake McCarthy among others who have filled starting roles over the past couple seasons.

The Diamondbacks’ in-house option at first base (or DH for that matter) is Pavin Smith, who stepped up last year with an .896 OPS albeit in 60 games played, while first baseman Josh Bell is a free agent.

The winter meetings begin Monday which bring the possibility that activity will kick up, starting with free agent prize Juan Soto.

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