Saturday, December 21, 2024

Hot Stove League Update: Christian Walker Signs With Astros

 Christian Walker 1B signed a 3 yr/$60 M contract with the Houston Astros.

2024:  .251/335/.468, 26 HR, 10.0 BB%, 24.1 K%, 130 PA, 3.0 fWAR.

Walker has been a consistent source of power and gold glove defense at 1B for the D'Backs since the departure of Paul Goldschmidt.  He was headed for one of his best seasons when he went down with an oblique injury on 7/29.  He did not return until 9/3 and hit just .141 in the month of September.  Oblique injuries tend to be slow healing but also usually don't cause problems once they are fully healed.  The contract covers his age 34-36 seasons.  The signing is a clear signal the Astros gave up on re-signing Alex BregmanIsaac Parades, acquired from the Cubs in the Kyle Tucker trade will play 3B and Walker will play 1B.  I thought Walker would make a nice upgrade for the Giants and am sad to see him off the market although there was never any indication the Giants pursued him.

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The Giants re-signed Raymond Burgos LHP to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.  

2024(ACL):  1-0, 0.00, 4 IP, 13.50 K/9, 0.00 BB/9.
2024(A):  0-0, 0.00, 2 IP, 4.50 K/9, 0.00 BB/9.
2024(AAA):  2-2, 1.69, 26.2 IP, 9.11 K/9, 1.69 BB/9.
2024(MLB):  0-0, 9.00, 1 IP, 9 K/9, 9 BB/9.  

Burgos is an interesting lefthanded depth option.  He only got one MLB appearance lasting 1 inning and gave up a run on 3 hits, struck out 1, walked 1 but got 4 GB's in 7 PA's.  His numbers in AAA Sacramento suggest he is capable of pitching effectively at the MLB level.

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