Early this offseason, the Houston Astros made the massive move to bring in Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker via free agency. Walker was looked at as one of the most underrated free agents on the market, and Houston landed him on a three-year contract worth $60 million.
As spring training was beginning, Walker suffered a low-grade oblique injury. The MRI revealed there was no strain, which allowed the city of Houston to let out a collective sigh of relief.
But Walker hasn’t returned to the field just yet and there’s been some skepticism as to whether the veteran first baseman would be ready to take the field on opening day.
Astros beat writer Chandler Rome recently shared some encouraging news for the Astros, though.
“I’m optimistic he should be fine for opening day,” Astros manager Joe Espada said, via Rome.
Adding Walker back to Houston’s lineup would be a huge piece of the puzzle for the Astros. He’s set to be a middle-of-the-order bat for Espada’s team after having tremendous success last year.
Last season, the veteran slashed .251/.335/.468 with 26 home runs and 26 doubles. He was even better in 2023, as he slugged 33 home runs and 36 doubles with an OPS of .830.
Not only is he a solid bat, but he’s also one of the best first base defenders in baseball. The 33-year-old is a three-time Gold Glove winner at first base.
Houston clearly has a lot of belief in Walker, based on the fact that the front office signed him for $60 million this offseason. It’ll be a huge boost to get him back on the field.
More MLB: Shocking Trade Idea Would Swap Cy Young Winner For One Orioles Prospect
The post Astros ‘Optimistic’ $60 Million Star Will Be Ready For Opening Day appeared first on Newsweek.
