Astros Predicted to Sign Three-Time Gold Glove Winner to $60 Million Deal
November 5, 2024
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The Houston Astros currently have holes on both corners of their infield. Third base is open with Alex Bregman heading into free agency. First base has been a problem since the start of 2024.
Could Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker serve as one solution for general manager Dana Brown?
According to FanGraphs, Houston’s first basemen combined to produce -1.4 WAR this season. Only the Colorado Rockies (-1.7) and Cincinnati Reds (-1.8) were worse.
The Astros tried to make a big splash before the trade deadline to solve their first base problem. Walker was on their radar, and the New York Post’s Jon Heyman said in July that Houston considered the 33-year-old “a dream target.”
“The Astros badly need to upgrade at first base, and Walker isn’t just an ideal option with regard to his bat and glove,” Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer said on Monday. “With money seemingly at a premium right now, he’s a much better fit for the club’s payroll situation than (Pete) Alonso.”
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 25: Christian Walker #53 of the Arizona Diamondbacks gestures to his dugout after hitting an RBI single against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at Chase Field on September… PHOENIX, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 25: Christian Walker #53 of the Arizona Diamondbacks gestures to his dugout after hitting an RBI single against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at Chase Field on September 25, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. Dbacks won 8-2.
Norm Hall/Getty Images
Rymer predicts Walker will sign with Houston on a three-year, $60 million deal. The veteran would be the perfect player to add to the Astros’ infield mix.
Walker has built a sterling defensive reputation. That’s evidenced by winning three straight Gold Glove Awards between 2022 and 2024. He’s also been a top producer in the batter’s box. The veteran has slashed .250/.332/.481 since 2022, averaging 32 home runs, 29 doubles, 94 RBI and 81 runs scored per season.
If he’s at the top of Houston’s offseason wish list, they might deal with competition from other teams in need of a first baseman. One team that comes to mind is the New York Yankees, who just declined Anthony Rizzo’s option for the 2025 season.
More MLB: Yankees Could Have In-Town Backup Plan If Juan Soto Bolts In Free Agency
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