"Brian Cashman is an absolute failure"; "Yankees dodged a bullet" - Fans react as Christian Walker signs $60M 3-year deal with Astros

The Houston Astros signed free-agent first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million contract, MLB.com confirmed. The deal ended speculation about the slugger’s potential destination. Among the rumored landing spots was New York, as the Yankees sought to add more power to their lineup.

However, the Yankees missed out, leaving fans frustrated and criticizing the team’s management for not making a stronger push for the coveted free agent.

Here’s a look at some fan reactions on social media:

“Brian Cashman is an absolute failure as a general manager,” a fan said.

“Brian Cashbroke,” another fan commented.

“This is so ridiculous. How do the Yankees not make this deal? Walker is going to feast on the Crawford boxes,” another fan chimed in.

Not all fans were upset about missing out on Christian Walker. Some believed the Yankees made the right decision by passing on him.

“Yankees dodged a bullet,” a fan remarked.

“They just saw Jose Abreu go downhill. Not sure it's wise to take the same risk with Walker,” another fan added.

“Would’ve cost the Yankees 3/75,” this fan wrote.

The Yankees are still rumored to be seeking additional offense to offset the loss of Juan Soto. While they landed Cody Bellinger in a trade, the team may continue to search for more bats.

It remains to be seen how the Yankees will respond this winter after missing out on Christian Walker.

Christian Walker not the only target on Yankees’ radar

The New York Yankees have been active in their pursuit of upgrades this winter. After falling short in the World Series against the LA Dodgers, the team has been looking to improve its roster.

Despite the sting of losing Juan Soto, the Yankees remain a strong ballclub. Adding Bellinger was a solid start and Max Fried strengthened the rotation alongside ace Gerrit Cole.

However, these moves don’t mean the Yankees are done. While Christian Walker was a rumored target, other first basemen, including Paul Goldschmidt and Carlos Santana, have also been linked to the team.

Neither Goldschmidt nor Santana offers a long-term solution, but both could fill a critical hole for a postseason run next fall.

According to Sports Illustrated, the best option would be Santana, a switch hitter coming off a 23-home-run season, might be the better fit. Goldschmidt, at 37, has seen his production decline in recent years.

Perhaps a change of scenery in the Bronx could revitalize Goldschmidt’s bat. Still, the Yankees would likely prefer a longer-term option, such as Nathaniel Lowe, Josh Naylor or Yandy Díaz.

The next few weeks could be quiet as the holiday season takes precedence, but Brian Cashman and the Yankees’ front office are unlikely to take too much time off. The goal remains clear: deliver the franchise’s first championship since 2009.