A.J. Hinch's secret weapon is the Astros' one clear advantage over the Nats
POINT BLANK PRESENTED BY FITZ ROOFING
23 October 2019
POINT BLANK PRESENTED BY FITZ ROOFING
The bullpen came through for the Astros in the ALCS against the Yankees, and Will Harris was a big reason for Houston's success.
The Astros begin the World Series on Tuesday night, and Harris will be relied on to make some big pitches once again in high leverage situations.
ESPN 97.5's Joel Blank discusses how impressive Harris has been in the postseason, and what he expects from him in the World Series. Point Blank is presented by Fitz Roofing.
Gold Glove first baseman Christian Walker and the Houston Astros agreed Friday to a $60 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement was subject to a successful physical.
Houston acquired infielder Isaac Paredes from the Cubs last weekend in the trade that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago, and Walker’s agreement likely means the Astros plan to start Paredes at third and won’t re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman.
Walker, who turns 34 during the opening week of the season, hit .251 with 26 homers, 84 RBIs, 55 walks and 133 strikeouts this year. That was down from 2023, when he batted .258 with 33 homers and 103 RBIs as the Diamondbacks reached the World Series.
He didn’t secure a full-time job in the big leagues until 2019. He’s provided consistent power over the past six seasons and has grown into an elite defensive first baseman, winning Gold Gloves in each of the past three seasons.
*Don't miss the video below as the crew from Stone Cold 'Stros (Charlie Pallilo, Brandon Strange, and Josh Jordan) reacts live to the deal, and examines what the signing means for the club moving forward.
Walker played college ball at South Carolina and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2012. He made his big league debut with the Orioles in 2014 but couldn’t stick in the majors and was claimed off waivers by Atlanta, Cincinnati and Arizona in a five-week span.
“He’s a phenomenal player,” Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said. “He’s the best defensive first baseman in baseball. He’s a self-made player in a lot of ways, and I respect that immensely. What that gave our clubhouse was a lead by example that was pretty elite.”
Walker had a $10.9 million salary last season and turned down Arizona’s $21.05 million qualifying offer.
Houston will lose its second- and fifth-highest picks in the 2025 amateur draft.