It is truly a new era of Houston Astros Baseball. The supporting cast that helps make the roster what it is will look different next season. Kyle Tucker is out the door, as he is now a member of the Chicago Cubs. But incoming is a new first baseman.

This is a position that has been plagued, as Jose Abreu did not lock down the position like they thought he would. Instead, the Astros are bringing in former Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker on a three year $60M contract. It’s a good contract and for a reliable player at the position. But it does signal the end of an era.

The New Look Astros

Jose Altuve is the Astros at this given point. Also, Yordan Alvarez will still be the premiere slugger in the lineup. However, things are looking different and signal a new era. Carlos Correa moved on years ago. Tucker is a Cub and now this move signals that the Alex Bregman era is done as well. Given that the Astros acquired Isaac Paredes, who could play both first and third base, gives the Astros options. Also, with their inability to want to push past six years and Cardinals third baseman unwilling to waive his trade clause to come to the Astros, decisions have to be made.

The decision was to bring on the most coveted first baseman not named Pete Alonso into the fold. It now solidies an infield with Walker (1B), Altuve (2B), Pena (SS), and Paredes (3B). The outfield is still intact and that rotation still has its pieces in place with Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, and Spencer Arrighetti. Cristian Javier coming back is also a boost.

The focus is now on Walker and him solidifying the infield and being the player he’s been for the Diamondbacks.

Signing Walker is a Huge Addition

There is so much to love about Christian Walker. Does he have the same polarizing effect as Alonso? Maybe not, but even at the age of 34 he is still playing extremely great baseball. Walker brings everything to the Astros, between his play at the plate and his elite defense at first base. If you are the Seattle Mariners, you’ve got to be kicking yourself for this. Walker would’ve been the perfect fit for the Mariners, given they need a hitter in the worst way possible and also a first baseman. Now he belongs to an AL West rival and the Astros will reap the benefits for it.

Let’s start with his 2024 season, where he was without a doubt an All-Star snub and should’ve made it to Texas. Walker finished with an impressive slash line of .251/.335/.470/.805. He still finished well above league average hitting with a wRC+ of 119. Walker did hit 26 home runs, which should become more while playing in Houston. He brings tremendous power to the plate and makes hard contact and is the perfect batter to have at the plate. But he is more than his bat.

Walker was a premiere player at the first base position defensively. He finished fourth among qualified first baseman with seven defensive runs saved and finished second in outs above average (13). Also, it put him in the 93rd percentile for this metric of defense. This is tremendous for the Astros, who were dead last in outs above average at first base with -13 and in defensive runs saved. It’s not just this season that was great for Walker, but he’s been the best defensive first baseman inside this decade.

From 2020-24 Walker has been the best defensive first baseman. He is tied with Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves) for the most defensive runs saved (36) and has the most outs above average by a wide margin. His 42 are 20 more than the next closest player.

All in all, the Astros upgraded and really solidified their defense. Paredes is also a strong defender at third baseman and the new look Astros will be ready to compete.

New Era, Same Organization

The AL is completely wide open for the taking. When you also look at the landscape of the AL West, it’s also open for the taking. The Mariners will always be in the mix with their pitching staff and the Texas Rangers are going to be a healthier ball club. The Astros may lose two cornerstone players, but they are the Astros and you cannot ever count them out until they are truly out.

This is a great day for Walker and great for the Astros organization.

A+ on the signing by them.