The New York Yankees have long been considered frontrunners to sign Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman in free agency. Why? Because the pairing seemed ideal.
After moving on from Anthony Rizzo to start the offseason, the Yankees were likely in the market for a cost-effective power hitter with strong defensive skills at first base. Manager Aaron Boone’s infield defense was a major liability last season, making a player like Walker a natural fit.
Projected to secure a three-year, $60 million contract, Walker was well within the Yankees’ budget. A two-time Gold Glove winner with a .813 OPS over the past three seasons, he checked all the boxes for what the team needed.
However, despite the perfect match on paper, Walker began negotiating with other teams, and reports surfaced that these discussions were advancing right under the Yankees’ noses. By Friday, a deal was reportedly in place to send Walker to one of the Yankees’ biggest rivals.
FanSided’s MLB insider Robert Murray reported that Walker and the Houston Astros were in “advanced talks on a contract,” with one source describing the negotiations as being “on the 10-yard line,” according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Shortly after, Jim Bowden of The Athletic confirmed that Walker had agreed to a deal with the Astros, pending a physical. Bob Nightengale of the New York Post later revealed it was a three-year, $60 million agreement.
Walker is set to join the Astros as their new first baseman, with trade acquisition Isaac Paredes taking over at third base. This move likely signals the end of Alex Bregman’s tenure in Houston. For the Astros, it resolves years of struggles at first base and provides a much-needed upgrade at the position.
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