The Houston Astros have reached an agreement with free agent first baseman Christian Walker on a three-year contract worth $60 million, according to multiple reports confirmed by ESPN. The deal is conditional upon Walker passing a physical examination.
With Walker joining the team, it likely signifies the conclusion of Alex Bregman’s time with the Astros, as the team shifts its focus following unsuccessful efforts to acquire Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals. Walker’s arrival indicates that Isaac Paredes, recently obtained from the Chicago Cubs as part of the Kyle Tucker trade, is expected to step in as Bregman’s replacement at third base.
Christian Walker, who will celebrate his 34th birthday on March 28, is considered one of the top defensive first basemen in Major League Baseball. Over the past three seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, he achieved a batting line of .250/.332/.481, hitting 95 home runs and driving in 281 runs, yielding a total of 10.8 FanGraphs wins above replacement – the sixth-highest among first basemen.
The Astros have struggled to find a reliable first baseman, and last season, the position’s collective performance resulted in a .651 OPS, ranking fifth-lowest in the league. Walker, a three-time Gold Glove Award recipient, is expected to significantly enhance the team’s performance at first base, especially given his right-handed batting in Daikin Park, recognized for its short left-field fence.
Despite the positive addition of Walker, the Astros face a gap in their outfield after parting ways with Tucker. The future of Bregman remains uncertain, with potential interest from teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Detroit Tigers—led by former Astros manager A.J. Hinch.
Astros general manager Dana Brown had expressed hope for retaining Bregman during the offseason. However, owner Jim Crane declined to meet the $200 million-plus contract demand from Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras. This situation prompted a pivot to Walker after initially seeking a trade for Arenado, who opted to stay with the Cardinals.
Walker turned down a qualifying offer from the Diamondbacks, and by signing him, the Astros will forfeit their second and fifth-round picks in the upcoming MLB draft, as well as a portion of their international spending allocation. However, they will receive a fourth-round pick once Bregman signs elsewhere, a move that seems increasingly likely.
In light of the Astros’ recent challenges, including their early postseason exit, veteran second baseman Jose Altuve highlighted the importance of Bregman to the franchise, stating, “We’re not going to be the same organization without him.”
The signing of Walker not only strengthens the Astros’ roster but also signals the dawn of a new era as the team redefines its lineup and strategies moving forward. This change can also provide fresh opportunities for younger players in the organization as Houston continues its pursuit of excellence in the coming seasons.