Astros Sign Christian Walker to $60M Deal, Bolstering Lineup and Defense
The Houston Astros have addressed their need for a slugging first baseman by signing Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million deal, as reported by multiple outlets on Friday. Walker, a former standout with the Arizona Diamondbacks, brings a combination of offensive power and defensive excellence to Houston.
Over the past three seasons, Walker has hit 95 home runs and earned three consecutive National League Gold Glove Awards, solidifying his reputation as one of baseball’s premier two-way players. The 33-year-old posted impressive numbers last season with 26 home runs, 84 RBIs, and an .803 OPS in 130 games. His standout 2022 campaign saw him hit 33 home runs, drive in a career-high 103 runs, and achieve an .830 OPS while helping the Diamondbacks to a World Series appearance.
Walker replaces Jose Abreu, who signed a three-year, $58.5 million deal with the Astros before the 2023 season but was released in June. The Astros still owe Abreu $19.5 million for the 2025 season. Walker’s arrival is expected to fortify Houston’s lineup and improve their infield defense.
Originally a fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Orioles in 2012, Walker has accumulated 147 home runs, 443 RBIs, and a .793 OPS across 832 major league games over 10 seasons. The Diamondbacks extended a qualifying offer to Walker after the 2024 season, meaning the Astros will forfeit a draft pick as part of the signing. Arizona will gain a compensatory pick at the end of the first round in the 2025 MLB Draft.
With this move, the Astros aim to maintain their competitive edge and add depth to their roster as they look to contend for another championship.
