The Houston Astros are currently facing gaps at both corners of their infield, with third base open as Alex Bregman enters free agency and first base continuing to be a challenge since the start of the 2024 season. Could Christian Walker, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ first baseman, be a potential solution for general manager Dana Brown? According to FanGraphs, Astros first basemen combined for a -1.4 WAR this year, ranking just ahead of the Colorado Rockies (-1.7) and Cincinnati Reds (-1.8) in that department.
Houston attempted to make a significant move before the trade deadline to address their first base issue, and Walker was a player they had on their radar. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported in July that the Astros viewed the 33-year-old as a “dream target.”
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer highlighted Walker’s fit with Houston, noting that while the Astros urgently need an upgrade at first base, Walker is an ideal option both offensively and defensively. Rymer also pointed out that with the Astros’ payroll situation in mind, Walker is a more realistic target than Pete Alonso. He predicts Walker will sign a three-year, $60 million contract with Houston.
A key reason Walker is seen as a perfect fit for the Astros is his exceptional defense. The three-time Gold Glove winner (2022-2024) has established a reputation for his fielding, and offensively, he’s been a consistent performer. Since 2022, Walker has posted a .250/.332/.481 slash line, averaging 32 home runs, 29 doubles, 94 RBI, and 81 runs per season.
However, Houston could face competition for Walker’s services, particularly from other teams in need of a first baseman, such as the New York Yankees, who recently declined Anthony Rizzo’s 2025 option.
