Christian Walker has agreed to join the Houston Astros on a three-year deal worth $60 million, ending his eight-year tenure with the Arizona Diamondbacks. According to reports, Walker declined the one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Diamondbacks and will receive a compensation draft pick in 2025.
Walker, who will be 34 at the start of next season, developed into a premier defensive first baseman during his time with the Diamondbacks. He has won three straight Gold Glove awards and ranks fourth in MLB among all positions for outs above average since 2019. His offense has remained consistent, with an OPS over .800 in each of the past three years.
The loss of Walker will be significant for the Diamondbacks, who have also lost a power bat and trusted voice in the clubhouse. Manager Torey Lovullo called Walker “a high-character guy” who understands what each day represents to his career.
Walker reunites with third base coach Tony Perezchica, who departed Arizona for Houston earlier this offseason. The Astros have made significant changes this offseason, trading away star outfielder Kyle Tucker and acquiring infielder Isaac Paredes. Walker will slot into the batting order alongside Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez, joining a team that has reached the postseason in each of the last eight years.
Source: https://arizonasports.com/story/3564649/christian-walker-sign-astros