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Astros Announce Christian Walker News After Dodgers Sweep

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 5:45 PM ET

First baseman Christian Walker is in his 11th major-league season and first with the Houston Astros.

Originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of the 2012 MLB Draft, Walker debuted in 2014. He struggled to stick at the big-league level, posting a sub-.600 OPS in two seasons and ultimately being designated for assignment in 2017.

Walker signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks and, following the 2018 trade of Paul Goldschmidt to the St. Louis Cardinals, became their everyday first baseman in 2019. In his first full season, he appeared in a career-high 152 games, smashing 29 home runs, driving in 73 runs and establishing himself as a middle-of-the-order force.

Over eight productive years in Arizona, Walker earned three Gold Glove Awards—highlighting his defensive prowess at first base—and served as an essential part of the Diamondbacks’ 2023 World Series run.

Houston signed Walker to a three-year, $60 million contract this past offseason to fill their vacancy at first base.

While his overall numbers have dipped in 2025, he flashed his offensive potential this past weekend in a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 6-for-14 with two home runs and six RBIs.

On Monday, the Astros announced Walker would be placed on the paternity list, with outfielder Kennedy Corona being recalled to fill his roster spot.

We have made the following Roster Moves: pic.twitter.com/RO49mZlPuH
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 7, 2025

Through 87 games in 2025, Walker is hitting .231 with 12 homers, 45 RBIs and a .673 OPS—his lowest mark since 2021.

Despite his individual struggles, Houston has thrived at 55–35, holding a seven-game lead over the Seattle Mariners in the AL West. If Walker can recapture his Diamondbacks form, the Astros’ lineup will grow even more formidable.