Houston Astros’ ‘dream’ trade target isn’t what you’d expect

The Houston Astros have salvaged their season and must now turn to the trade market to finish building their roster for a playoff berth.

It’s been clear for some time that Houston’s biggest need at the upcoming MLB trade deadline is Jon Heyman. The New York Post just revealed who he believed to be their main target.

“The Astros, who are now a clear threat to win the West again, are looking for a starter and a hitter,” Heyman said. “Their dream target would be (Arizona) Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker, a soon-to-be free agent.”

After weeks of speculation surrounding Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Pete Alonso, it appears Houston has its eyes set on Walker to be their first baseman for at least the remainder of this season.

The 33-year-old has had a breakout year and makes perfect sense as a top target for a contending team.

Power has been his claim to fame in recent years, as he’s hit 30 home runs in the past two seasons and is on pace for career highs with 22 homers and 62 RBIs in 87 games this season.

He was selected in the fourth round of the 2012 MLB draft by the Baltimore Orioles while at the University of South Carolina.

After a few seasons in their system, he was eventually designated for assignment by Baltimore after failing to make an impact at the major league level for a few years. Arizona claimed him off waivers in 2017 and he’s been there ever since.

It took the Pennsylvania native a few years to settle in as well, but once he did, he became an elite hitter and has really hit his stride with 91 home runs and 259 RBIs since the start of the 2022 season.

In addition to developing his bat, he has also become one of the best defensive first basemen in the league. He has won Gold Gloves in each of the last two seasons and continued the trend in 2024.

The Astros have hit .204/.280/.318 from their players at the position this season. Not only is that clearly not an acceptable level of play, but it’s clear that Walker would be a huge upgrade.

A trade for him wouldn’t be a long-term solution, though, as his contract expires at the end of the year. They could, however, get a head start on an extension. The expiring contract also means they won’t have to make as many concessions to secure him.