Why Astros should use 2026 disaster to sell high and trade a $60 million slugger

Why Astros should trade Christian Walker this season

This past offseason, one of the biggest storylines for the Astros was their infield logjam. Carlos Correa, Jeremy Pena, Jose Altuve, Isaac Paredes, and Christian Walker made up the core five infielders who were presenting a problem for the team.

There were plenty of trade rumors, and Paredes was one of the most talked-about names. But that was only the case because no team wanted to trade for Walker.

In 154 games, Walker had 0.2 bWAR with 27 homers, a .238 batting average, a .717 OPS, and 98 OPS+. He also had $40 million left on his three-year, $60 million deal. What team would want such a player?

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However, through just 42 games this season, Walker has posted 1.5 bWAR with nine homers, a .276 batting average, .864 OPS, and 140 OPS+.

He's a lot more realistic as a trade target for teams this season, and a team that needs first base help, like the Pittsburgh Pirates, would make a lot of sense as a trade partner now that Walker's performing a lot better.

After trying to trade him all offseason, the Astros have seen Walker return to elite form this season, and now they should trade him if they can.

Walker's trade value will never be higher than it is now. With the Astros poor record of 16-26, they should be more than willing to part with a player like Walker after failing to trade him all offseason.

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