The Houston Astros have officially secured free agent first baseman Christian Walker with a three-year contract valued at $60 million, as confirmed by sources. The agreement is subject to a physical examination.
This move likely indicates the end of Alex Bregman’s time with the Astros and concludes the team’s attempts to acquire Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals. Walker’s signing suggests that Isaac Paredes, a 25-year-old corner infielder recently obtained from the Chicago Cubs in the Kyle Tucker trade, may fill Bregman’s spot at third base in the future.
Christian Walker, who will turn 34 on March 28, is celebrated as one of the top defensive first basemen in Major League Baseball. His performance over the past three seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks included a batting line of .250/.332/.481, with 95 home runs and 281 runs batted in. Walker has also recorded 10.8 FanGraphs wins above replacement, making him the sixth-best first baseman in this regard.
The Astros have struggled to find a consistent solution at first base in recent years, and Jose Abreu’s high salary did not resolve the issue as Astros first basemen collectively posted a .651 OPS last season, ranking fifth-lowest in the league. Walker’s defensive prowess and right-handed power will be significant assets, especially at Daikin Park, known for its short left-field fence.
While Walker’s signing addresses the first base dilemma, the Astros will need to look for additional outfield help following the departure of Tucker, who will be a free agent next year. Bregman, a crucial part of the franchise that boasts two championships and seven consecutive American League Championship Series appearances, is expected to explore new opportunities, with potential interest from the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Detroit Tigers.
Astros general manager Dana Brown had been hopeful about retaining Bregman throughout the offseason. However, owner Jim Crane did not meet the $200 million-plus demands set forth by Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras. Following unsuccessful attempts to acquire Arenado—who opted to remain in St. Louis—the team has opted to move forward with Walker.
Walker declined the qualifying offer from the Diamondbacks in November. The Astros, who exceeded the luxury tax threshold last season, will forfeit their second- and fifth-round picks in the upcoming draft and $1 million from their international spending pool signed as a result of this deal. However, they will reclaim a fourth-round pick once Bregman signs with another organization, a situation that seems almost certain to occur.
In light of the Astros’ playoff exit in the wild-card round last season, Jose Altuve emphasized the significance of retaining Bregman, stating, “We’re not going to be the same organization without him.”
The signing of Walker undoubtedly represents a pivotal moment for the Astros, ushering in a new era for the team as they adapt to the evolving landscape of their roster.
Overall, this signing holds promise for fans and the organization, indicating a strong commitment to maintaining competitiveness while reshuffling key positions. The Astros appear poised to continue their pursuit of excellence in Major League Baseball.