The Houston Astros are currently facing gaps at both third and first base. Third base is vacant as Alex Bregman approaches free agency, while first base has been an ongoing issue since early 2024.
Could Christian Walker, first baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, be the solution general manager Dana Brown is looking for?
FanGraphs reports that Houston’s first basemen collectively posted a -1.4 WAR this season, ranking worse than only the Colorado Rockies (-1.7) and Cincinnati Reds (-1.8).
The Astros attempted to address their first base woes with a major move before the trade deadline, targeting Walker. Jon Heyman of the *New York Post* noted in July that the 33-year-old was viewed by Houston as an “ideal target.”
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer echoed this sentiment, stating on Monday, “The Astros are in serious need of a first base upgrade, and Walker is perfect for his hitting and defensive skills. With budget constraints at play, he’s also a better fit for their payroll than (Pete) Alonso.”
Rymer projects Walker signing a three-year, $60 million contract with Houston, a move that would be a significant boost to the team’s infield.
Walker is renowned for his defensive skills, evident from winning three consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 2022 to 2024. Offensively, he has been impressive too, posting a .250/.332/.481 slash line since 2022 and averaging 32 home runs, 29 doubles, 94 RBIs, and 81 runs scored annually.
However, if Houston prioritizes signing him this offseason, they might face competition from other teams needing a first baseman. Notably, the New York Yankees, who just declined Anthony Rizzo’s option for 2025, could be contenders.
