The Astros have a new first baseman. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images.
After losing out on Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (no-trade clause), it appears the Astros have pivoted to another infielder.
According to multiple reports, the Astros are close to finalizing a deal with former Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker.
The Astros and free-agent first baseman Christian Walker are in serious talks and progressing toward a deal, sources tell @Ken_Rosenthal and me.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) December 20, 2024
While several reports are indicating that a deal is close, Jim Bowden is reporting that the deal is done pending a physical.
Christian Walker deal is done with #Astros pending physical
— Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) December 20, 2024
Bob Nightengale is reporting that it's a three-year, $60 million contract.
Christian Walker has agreed to a 3-year, $60 million contract with the Houston Astros.@Ken_Rosenthal said close.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 20, 2024
Another thing to keep in mind is that the Astros will have to surrender two draft picks because Walker turned down a qualifying offer from Arizona.
Christian Walker declined a qualifying offer from the DBacks, so if a deal with the Astros gets done, Houston will lose its second and fifth-highest selections in the 2025 draft. However, if/when Alex Bregman signs elsewhere, the Astros will get a comp pick after the fourth round
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) December 20, 2024
So what are the Astros getting with Walker? Walker has now won the Gold Glove for three straight seasons and provides a power bat that should greatly benefit from the Crawford Boxes.
Walker (age 33) hit 26 dingers last season while posting a .251 batting average and a .803 OPS. He also hit over 30 home runs in both 2022 and 2023.
Cryer scores 22 points and No. 3 Houston beats Kansas for 9th straight win
Mar 3, 2025, 11:01 pm
L.J. Cryer scored 22 points and No. 3 Houston won its ninth straight game with a 65-59 victory over Kansas on Monday night.
Emanuel Sharp added 12 points off the bench, including two free throws that pushed Houston's lead to 63-59 with 20 seconds left. The Cougars (26-4, 18-1 Big 12) went 4 of 4 from the foul line down the stretch.
Cryer had 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting in the first half as Houston took a 30-27 lead into the break.
Milos Uzan finished with 10 points, and Mylik Wilson had 10 points, six assists and five rebounds for the Cougars, who shot 35% from the field and were 7 of 20 on 3-pointers.
Hunter Dickinson had 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Jayhawks (19-11, 10-9), who shot 45%. KJ Adams Jr. added 15 points and David Coit had 14 off the bench.
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