The Houston Astros have reached an agreement with free agent first baseman Christian Walker on a three-year contract worth $60 million, as confirmed by sources to ESPN. The deal is subject to a physical examination.
This signing likely indicates the conclusion of Alex Bregman’s time with the Astros and puts an end to their attempts to acquire star player Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals. Walker will take over first base for the Astros, which in turn suggests that Isaac Paredes, a young infielder recently obtained in the Kyle Tucker trade, will step in for Bregman at third base.
Walker, set to turn 34 in March, is recognized as one of the premier defensive first basemen in the sport and adds significant power to the Astros’ batting order. Over the past three seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, he has recorded a batting line of .250/.332/.481, hitting 95 home runs and driving in 281 runs—garnering 10.8 FanGraphs wins above replacement, placing him sixth among first basemen.
The first base position had been a challenge for the Astros in recent years, with high-profile signing Jose Abreu not meeting expectations. Last season, Astros first basemen posted a .651 OPS, ranking fifth lowest in the majors. Walker’s three Gold Glove Awards promise to enhance both the defense and offensive output at first base, especially in Daikin Park, known for its short left-field fence.
With the departure of Tucker potentially leaving a void in the outfield, the Astros still have work to do. Moreover, Bregman, a key player in the Astros’ successful run—culminating in two championships and seven consecutive American League Championship Series appearances—might be headed elsewhere. The New York Yankees, along with teams like the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Detroit Tigers, have shown interest in acquiring Bregman.
Astros general manager Dana Brown had previously expressed hope in retaining Bregman, but owner Jim Crane did not agree to the over $200 million demands set by Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras. This ultimately led the team to secure Walker instead. As a result of this signing, the Astros will forfeit their second- and fifth-round picks in the upcoming draft and $1 million in international signing money, but they will receive a fourth-round pick once Bregman signs elsewhere.
The recent loss to the Tigers in the wild-card round has heightened the stakes for Bregman’s future, with teammate Jose Altuve emphasizing his importance to the team. “We’re not going to be the same organization without him,” Altuve remarked.
The addition of Walker marks a new chapter for the Astros, bringing both challenges and opportunities as they reshape their roster for the next season. With fresh talent and a shift in direction, the team aims to continue competing at a high level while navigating the departures of key players.