Houston Astros ink 3-year contract with first baseman Christian Walker
The Houston Astros acquired the powerful first baseman they desired, securing Christian Walker on a three-year deal, as announced by the team on Monday.
Various sources have reported that the contract is valued at $60 million.
The former standout for the Arizona Diamondbacks not only smashed a total of 95 home runs over the last three seasons, but he also earned three consecutive National League Gold Glove Awards.
At the age of 33, Walker recorded 26 home runs with 84 RBIs and an .803 OPS in 130 games during the previous season. This was followed by a career-high of 33 home runs, 103 RBIs, and an .830 OPS in the year before, while helping the Diamondbacks reach the World Series.
Walker effectively fills the spot of Jose Abreu, who signed a three-year, $58.5-million contract with the Astros before the 2023 season, but was released in June. The Astros still owe Abreu $19.5 million in 2025.
Selected in the fourth round of the 2012 draft by the Baltimore Orioles, Walker has a total of 147 home runs and 443 RBIs with a .793 OPS in 832 games over his 10-year career in the major leagues.
Following the 2024 season, Walker received a qualifying offer from the Diamondbacks, which means the Astros will have to give up a draft pick that Arizona can use at the end of the first round in 2025.
