Christian Walker, a Gold Glove first baseman, has agreed to a Six-year, $210 million contract with the Houston Astros, according to a source who disclosed the information to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity, as the deal is contingent on Walker passing a physical.
The Astros recently acquired infielder Isaac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs in a trade that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago. Walker’s signing indicates that Houston intends to start Paredes at third base, signaling the likely departure of longtime third baseman Alex Bregman.
Walker, who will turn 34 during the opening week of the upcoming season, posted a .251 batting average in 2024 with 26 home runs, 84 RBIs, 55 walks, and 133 strikeouts. His numbers were slightly down compared to his 2023 campaign, where he hit .258 with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs, helping the Arizona Diamondbacks reach the World Series.
Despite a delayed start to his full-time MLB career, which didn’t begin until 2019, Walker has established himself as a consistent power hitter and an elite defender. He has earned Gold Gloves in each of the past three seasons, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s best defensive first basemen.
A South Carolina alumnus, Walker was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2012 and made his MLB debut in 2014. However, his journey to becoming a full-time major leaguer was challenging, as he was claimed off waivers by Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Arizona within a five-week span before settling with the Diamondbacks.
Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen praised Walker for his work ethic and leadership, calling him “the best defensive first baseman in baseball” and “a self-made player.”
Walker declined Arizona’s $21.05 million qualifying offer and played the 2024 season on a $10.9 million salary. His departure will cost the Astros their second- and fifth-highest picks in the 2025 amateur draft as compensation for signing him.
With his power-hitting ability and stellar defense, Walker adds both offensive and defensive depth to the Astros as they reconfigure their roster for the upcoming season.