HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Astros have signed three-time Gold Glove-winning first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year contract, as announced today by Astros General Manager Dana Brown. Walker, 33, joins the Astros after spending the past eight seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Walker has been one of the top first basemen in the Major Leagues over the past three seasons (2022-24), earning three Gold Glove Awards and averaging 32 home runs and 94 RBIs per season. His 95 home runs and 281 RBIs during this period rank third and fourth, respectively, among National League first basemen.
In 2024, Walker hit .251 with 26 home runs and 84 RBIs for the Diamondbacks, posting an .803 OPS. He had his best season in 2023, recording 36 doubles, 33 home runs, 103 RBIs, and an .830 OPS, playing a significant role in the Diamondbacks’ memorable run to the NL Pennant. In 2022, he reached a career-high with 36 home runs while adding 94 RBIs.
Defensively, Walker’s 33 Defensive Runs Saved over the past three seasons are the most in the Majors for a first baseman. In 2024, he led all first basemen in fielding percentage (.998) and Zone Rating (.893), committing just two errors in 1,055 total chances.
Originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of the 2012 MLB Draft, Walker played parts of two seasons in the Majors with the Orioles (2014-15). He was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds in March 2017 and shortly thereafter traded to the Diamondbacks. By 2019, Walker became the D-backs’ starting first baseman, hitting 29 home runs with an .825 OPS that season and being named the D-backs’ Rookie of the Year by the Arizona Chapter of the BBWAA.
IN THE RECORD BOOKS: Prior to being drafted, Walker starred at the University of South Carolina, playing a significant role in their back-to-back National Championships in 2010-11. He tallied 28 career hits in the College World Series (2010-12), tying the NCAA career record.
GOOD GUY AWARD: In 2023, Walker received the D-backs’ “Good Guy Award” from the Arizona Chapter of the BBWAA, recognizing the player who most fosters a positive relationship with the media.
