Jackie Bradley Jr. is a guy I'd think about trading Walker for. I'm imagining the rangy howitzers in CF and RF. JBJR is 26 with experience. Kind of guy I'd never think was available. Much of the rest of the resources would have to go to the rotation at that point but I could see Bradley staying a long time.
Got to say Fowler would then be my second favorite target. Wait, as low as $13mm x 4? Walker does seem like a higher cost, especially considering you'd then almost have to spend in that range on the rotation. So do you like Walker + Fowler better than Bradley + Pitcher X? I could see Bradley + a SP acquisition being better. Whatever gravy might get poured out in addition to Walker.
Paxton is a name I'd avoid even saying to other GMs. I'd only refer to him with pronouns, as leads the phrase "He's not available". I'd honestly prefer the same with Walker but mini JB has me thinking maybe.
Cozart might be costly? Plan B for me was Desmond who's got $100 million contract estimates. I'm assuming those journalists are taking the over when they say "$100 million contract". Not so sure that's the right way to go at that cost. Not so sure they're right either. He turned down a 7 year $107 million extension, but that was 3 years ago. Let's say 5 years is the right number now, is he worth 20+ per? MLBTR suggests something comparable to Zobrists 4/54. So somewhere in the neighborhood of Fowler but can play a decent SS as well. How about Bradley and Desmond then? Imagine if Marte put things together, later in the year the starting outfield could be Martin, Bradley and Desmond, #6/7/10 in OF ARM this year (respectively and among qualified). Go, take the base, please! Cespedes was 11th.
Kind of OF that could help Walker ease into a rocking chair. But then he'd be gone.