The Houston Astros are heading into this offseason with a clear goal: bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them miss the postseason for the first time since 2016. That’s a long drought by Astros standards, and with a proud core still in place, the front office is under pressure to retool - not rebuild - and get this team back into October baseball.
To do that, the Astros are eyeing two key upgrades: a frontline starting pitcher and a left-handed bat, preferably in the outfield. The rotation needs a jolt, and the lineup could use more balance from the left side, especially with the infield already packed with talent.
But here's the wrinkle - Houston doesn’t have a ton of financial wiggle room. So instead of big-money free agent splashes, don’t be surprised if trades become the Astros’ primary path to improvement.
One name who’s already popping up in trade chatter? Christian Walker.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan included Walker among a group of players who could be on the move this winter, and there’s good reason for that. Walker is coming off a strong 2025 season, where he played in 154 games and posted a .238/.297/.421 slash line with 27 home runs and 88 RBIs. That kind of pop plays - especially for teams looking for a power boost at first base.
And Walker isn’t just a bat-first guy, either. He flashed the leather all year long, finishing with a .995 fielding percentage. That combination of power and reliable defense makes him one of the more intriguing trade chips on the market.
Now, where could he land? Keep an eye on the Minnesota Twins.
They’ve shown interest in Walker before, and adding a right-handed slugger like him could help lengthen their lineup. Another potential suitor?
The Chicago White Sox. They’ve been shopping Luis Robert Jr., and a package built around Walker might be enough to get the conversation going - especially if Houston is serious about making a splash.
Of course, the Astros have other players they could consider moving - Jake Meyers, for example, has also been mentioned - but Walker’s value, both on the field and in the trade market, is something that could help Houston address multiple needs at once.
For a team that still believes its championship window is open, this offseason is about making the right moves - not just big ones. And if the Astros can parlay a player like Walker into the kind of pitching or left-handed power bat they’re targeting, it could be the first step in turning the page on 2025 and writing a much better story in 2026.