"Jose Abreu didn't work out, Jon Singleton is not an everyday guy"- Reds HOFer claims Christian Walker is a great Astros addition for $60,000,000

The Houston Astros have secured free agent Christian Walker with a three-year, $60 million contract, the team announced Friday afternoon. This move by the Astros ends speculation about a potential reunion with Alex Bregman. Walker is set to anchor first base, while Isaac Paredes will take over at third base.

The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Sean Casey praised the move, calling it one of the Astros' smartest decisions. He sees Walker as a valuable addition and predicts the first baseman will deliver strong results in the upcoming season.

"I think he makes that team a lot better," Casey said. "They've been trying to to plug that hole over there at first base and they just haven't been able to really do it since Gurriel left."

"Abreu didn't work out, you know Singleton's a good player but he's not an everyday guy. He’s more of a guy off the bench, I think. And Christian Walker is an interesting case because, as a first baseman, his defensive metrics are not even close."

Casey added:

"He’s just an unbelievable first baseman, so that’s huge. But also, dude, you know, it goes to show you, too — a guy in his early 30s, what is he, 33, 34 years old? — can still get a three-year, $60 million deal. At the end of the day, man, this guy’s really good."

"He’s a great player. He’s got over an .800 OPS in the last few years, hitting 30-some bombs. And also, too, he’s going to have the short porch there in Houston with the Crawford Boxes."

Christian Walker is considered a significant upgrade for the Astros, as their first basemen, José Abreu and Jon Singleton, combined for a .226/.291/.360 batting line in 2024. In contrast, Walker delivered a .251/.335/.468 line during the previous season.

MLB insider predicts the Houston Astros to cut ties with Alex Bregman after Christian Walker deal

After news of the Houston Astros signing Christian Walker broke, questions quickly arose about Alex Bregman’s future with the team. Cody Williams of *FanSided* predicted Friday that the Astros might shift their focus away from the third baseman now that Walker is in the fold.

"The two-time World Series champion, two-time All-Star and 2019 AL MVP runner-up has been a stalwart for the dynasty in Houston since he joined the organization out of LSU," Williams wrote. "With him hitting free agency, there was always at least a consideration he could return for another go at it and to finish his career there.

"Turning their focus to a reunion with Bregman was the most sensible next move for Houston after we saw that happen. Walker's arrival puts that completely to bed, however."

While the Astros reportedly wanted to retain Alex Bregman, the star third baseman is seeking a bigger payday than Walker received. As a result, Bregman will now look to land a deal with another team willing to meet his steep asking price.