The Houston Astros, when they brought in Carlos Correa from the Minnesota Twins, saw their roster structure take a major shift in one deal. Houston has Correa for the next three seasons at $70 million, and is planning to keep him at third base.
With the return of Isaac Paredes at some point, Bob Nightengale of USA Today references a plan that the Astros could execute, which would ship off a veteran $60 million infielder just a year after signing with the team.
"The Twins had the opportunity to acquire Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker in their Carlos Correa trade talks, but passed, not wanting to take on the two years and $0 million left on his contract." Nightengale writes. "It's possible Walker is shopped this winter to make room for Isaac Paredes at first base."
Christian Walker could be a casualty of the Correa trade. Ironic, considering the Astros had offered the 34-year-old in trade talks with the Twins for Correa. The reason he could be on the way out is clear: it's a crowded infield.
MORE: Astros agree to blockbuster trade with Twins for Carlos Correa
At shortstop, Jeremy Pena has a spot locked down and isn't going anywhere. Correa is slated to be the team's third baseman for the next few years as well, which leaves second base and first base open.
Even though Walker is signed for the next two seasons at $20 million a year, the Astros might not be convinced that Paredes can lock down second base and decide to move him to first base full-time.
Such a move would leave Walker no place to go on the roster. With the team likely in the market for a first baseman, Walker could be a solid trade chip for the Astros in the offseason.
While his .685 OPS this season is the worst he's had since 2018, Walker has shown an ability to be a great player. For the NL West teams, he'd be an appealing target as, for whatever reason, he hits incredibly well against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But, regardless of his potential destination in the offseason, the Astros will likely consider shopping him to make room for Paredes at first base amid the team's acquisition of Correa. Walker, after just one year in Houston, could be on his way out.
MORE MLB NEWS:
- Astros trade for 27-year-old left-handed-hitting Marlins outfielder
- Padres trade Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek to Royals for a new catcher
- Tigers lost out to Mets on trade for Cardinals' Ryan Helsley
- Padres pull off blockbuster trade for Athletics' Mason Miller
- Cardinals' trade acquisition shares five-word message with fans
- Guardians to trade Cy Young starter Shane Bieber to Blue Jays