One of the most sought-after free agents of the winter picked his team on Friday. Christian

Walker, a longtime first baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, has signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Houston Astros.

Walker, 33, was coveted by several clubs, including the New York Yankees and Diamondbacks, but he reportedly delayed signing because he was hoping for a four-year deal.

Three golden gloves

An accomplished fielder who has won three straight Gold Gloves in the National League, Walker also provides plenty of pop with the bat. He twice hit more than 30 home runs in a season and once reached triple digits in runs batted in.

Although he hits on all fields, his power should be on good display at Daikin (formerly Minute Maid) Park, the domed stadium downtown where Houston plays its home games.

The deal most likely marks the end of the line in Houston for veteran third baseman Alex Bregman, who reportedly had a major rift in his negotiations with the Astros.

Houston acquired corner infielder Issac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs last week as part of the Kyle Tucker trade and expects to play him at third after signing Walker.

The Astros also attempted to acquire Nolan Arenado before the St. Louis third baseman exercised a contract clause that allowed him to avoid the trade.

The Astros are second and smaller with Jose Altuve and Jeremy Pena.

First base hole

First base in Houston was a black hole for years. Former American League MVP Jose Abreu, another free agent signing, never justified his three-year, $58.5 million contract and ended up in the minor leagues. Even the revamped Jon Singleton didn’t prove to be much help in this position.

The Astros, once one of the majors’ most successful teams, slipped last season, ending their record seven consecutive appearances in the American League Championship Series.

Adding Walker’s $20 million salary brings Houston’s payroll to $244 million, just $3 million over the luxury tax limit, according to Roster Resource. However, that could change if the club moves the contracts of closer Ryan Pressly ($14 million) or starter Framber Valdez ($12.1 million before arbitration).

However, the latter is the top weapon in the starting rotation and may not be readily available — at least not before the 2025 midseason trade deadline.

Astros owner Jim Crane has taken a hands-on approach to payroll, trades and free agency, instructing general manager Dana Brown to strictly limit club spending. Abreu’s most important contract was negotiated directly by the owner.

Hearty Houston Pacts

During Crane’s tenure, Yordan Alvarez received the longest contract with a six-year, $115 contract, while Altuve received the highest compensation with a $151 million contract extension.

Walker turned down a $21.05 qualifying offer from the Diamondbacks, hoping for more years and a higher annual average. He only got the years.

From the team’s perspective, signing Walker suggests the Astros are willing to mortgage their future to put together a win-now roster.

Houston lost its second and fifth picks in the 2025 amateur draft as well as $1 million in the international free agent bonus pool. The Astros also exceeded the luxury tax threshold last season.

In exchange for losing Walker, the Diamondbacks will receive a free draft pick after the first round.

Arizona’s Choices

Arizona’s new first baseman could be Pavin Smith, who hit well in limited action last year, or one of the remaining free agent first basemen, with Paul Goldschmidt, Josh Bell, Justin Turner and Carlos Santana the top choices.

A trade for Yandy Diaz from Tampa Bay or Josh Naylor from Cleveland is also possible.

Walker’s commitment will become official once the Norristown, Pennsylvania native passes the physical exam. It will give the Astros a new look, with Paredes and Walker replacing Bregman and Tucker in the lineup.

Details of his deal were reported by Robert Murray of FanSided, Jim Bowden of The Athletic and Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY.