The Astros agreed to terms on a three-year, $60 million contract with Walker on Friday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. The Astros have their first baseman, which means Isaac Paredes will play third base and Alex Bregman is likely to sign somewhere else. Walker, who turns 34 in March, is the premier defensive first baseman in the game, having won three straight Gold Gloves and boasting the defensive metrics to match. He's also averaged 31.7 home runs over the last three seasons and should provide a boost in the middle of the Astros' lineup, provided he doesn't experience a steep aging curve like Jose Abreu.
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The Astros agreed to terms on a three-year, $60 million contract with Walker on Friday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. The Astros have their first baseman, which means Isaac Paredes will play third base and Alex Bregman is likely to sign somewhere else. Walker, who turns 34 in March, is the premier defensive first baseman in the game, having won three straight Gold Gloves and boasting the defensive metrics to match. He's also averaged 31.7 home runs over the last three seasons and should provide a boost in the middle of the Astros' lineup, provided he doesn't experience a steep aging curve like Jose Abreu.
The Astros acquired Wesneski, Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith from the Cubs on Friday in exchange for Kyle Tucker, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Wesneski put up a 3.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 67:21 K:BB over 67.2 innings with the Cubs this past season, splitting time between the rotation and bullpen. He'll surely be stretched out during spring training, but the right-hander's ultimate role next season could depend on what other moves Houston makes this winter.
The Astros acquired Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith from the Cubs on Friday in exchange for Kyle Tucker, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. The Astros reportedly tried to trade for Paredes at the deadline before he went to the Cubs, but they've now got their man after his pit stop in Chicago. Paredes slashed a pedestrian .238/.346/.393 with 19 home runs in 2024 between the Rays and Cubs, but his pull-heavy swing is perfect for his new home park, giving him a good chance to bounce back in the power department in 2025. Currently, Paredes would be in line to play third base for the Astros, but he could shift over to first base if the club re-signs Alex Bregman.
The Astros signed Hudson to a minor-league contract Dec. 9. Hudson, 33, got into one game with the Mets in 2024, which was his first action at the big-league level since 2020. He provides organizational catching depth and should be assigned to Triple-A Sugar Land to begin the 2025 campaign.
Manager Joe Espada said Monday that he would like to "cut back" on Alvarez's playing time in left field for the 2025 season, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Of the 147 regular-season games Alvarez played in 2024, 94 of them were as the designated hitter compared to 53 games in left field. Part of Espada's desire to restrict Alvarez's playing time in the outfield is partially due with the left-handed slugger's right knee sprain toward the end of the 2024 regular season. If Alvarez serves as the Astros' full-time DH for 2025, that would mean more playing time in the outfield for the likes of Chas McCormick, Mauricio Dubon and 24-year-old Zach Dezenzo, who Rome notes played in left field during winter baseball in Puerto Rico.
Okert signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Nov. 5. Okert appeared in 44 games for the Twins in 2024, putting up a 5.09 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 35.1 innings -- his worst statistical season since 2017. The 33-year-old southpaw will have an opportunity to bounce back with the Astros organization, though he will likely need to redeem himself at Triple-A Sugar Land before getting a chance to pitch for Houston.
The Astros acquired Trammell from the Yankees on Monday in exchange for cash considerations, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Trammell was just added to the 40-man roster over the weekend to keep him from reaching minor-league free agency and now has been flipped to a new team. The 27-year-old has hit just .167/.270/.363 with a 37.1 percent strikeout rate over parts of four major-league seasons.
Dubon will undergo surgery to repair a torn UCL in his left thumb, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. Rome reveals that Dubon suffered the injury back on Sept. 6 but elected to delay surgery until the offseason. The rehab is expected to take 6-to-8 weeks, so the utility player should be ready to go for the start of spring training. Dubon is slated for salary arbitration for a third year this offseason after slashing .269/.296/.361 with four home runs and three stolen bases over 137 contests.
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