The Houston Astros have solidified their infield after reportedly signing first baseman Christian Walker for three years, $60 million. The signing comes after St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado nixed a trade to Houston. The Astros immediately went to Plan B and signed one of the best all-around first basemen in the game today. Let’s take a look at the eight winners and losers from the Walker signing.
Winner: Christian Walker
Christian Walker has been one of the best first basemen in baseball for the last three years. During that time, he won three consecutive Gold Gloves with the Arizona Diamondbacks while hitting 95 home runs. Walker was able to cash in, as he tripled his previous career earnings with the new $60 million deal.
Related: MLB scouts growing gravely concerned about Arizona Diamondbacks’ Druw Jones
Loser: Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks lost one of their best all-around players and team leaders in Christian Walker. They now have to replace a power-hitting, Gold Glove-winning first baseman. That will be tough to do.
Winner: Houston Astros
The Houston Astros have significantly upgraded the first base position after previously deploying Jose Abreu and Jon Singleton. With the trade of outfielder Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman’s departure from Houston, Walker’s offense helps offset the loss of those two All-Stars. The Astros now have their infield set with Walker, Jose Altuve, Jeremy Pena, and Isaac Paredes.
Loser: Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman’s tenure is officially over in Houston. With the Walker signing and the Astros trading for third baseman Isaac Paredes, there’s no room for the homegrown talent on the roster. Bregman will leave the Astros as a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion.
Winner: Isaac Paredes
With Walker now entrenched at first base, the newly acquired Isaac Paredes will stay at third base, where he has developed into an All-Star. Over 335 games at third, Paredes has six defensive runs saved above average.
Related: 8 winners/losers after Chicago Cubs pull off blockbuster Kyle Tucker trade with Houston Astros
Loser: Nolan Arenado
Where will Nolan Arenado end up now? The St. Louis Cardinals’ third baseman used his no-trade clause to nix a deal to the Houston Astros, a perennial playoff team. Arenado wants to play for a win-now team, but what team is willing to trade for a player who has regressed offensively and defensively the last two seasons and is still owed $74 million?
Winner: Pete Alonso
With Walker signing with the Astros, that’s another first baseman off the board for teams looking to fill that spot. That helps Pete Alonso’s case, especially since the New York Mets were linked to Walker in the offseason. Alonso’s big-money deal should be coming sooner rather than later.
Related: Beloved New York Mets announcer has interesting ‘gut feeling’ prediction about Pete Alonso’s future
8. Loser: Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners, who were looking for a first baseman, just saw the Houston Astros poach an All-Star off the free-agent market. The Mariners were linked to Walker during the offseason but will now have to look elsewhere.
Related: MLB insider pours ice cold water on idea of Seattle Mariners making any major signings this winter
