Twins could've acquired Christian Walker in Carlos Correa-Astros trade - now Walker is on the trade market again
The Houston Astros offered first baseman Christian Walker to the Minnesota Twins as part of the Carlos Correa trade, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
"The Twins had the opportunity to acquire Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker in their Carlos Correa trade talks, but passed, not wanting to take on the two years and $40 million left on his contract. It’s possible Walker is shopped this winter to make room for Isaac Paredes at first base."
Taking on Walker's contract wouldn't have made much sense for Minnesota, considering one of the main reasons for its trade deadline fire sale was to shed payroll. The Twins could use an established first baseman next season. Still, it's doubtful they have changed their mind on Walker, who had one of the worst seasons of his career in 2025, worth just 1.1 fWAR with a 99 wRC+ in 154 games.
However, other teams may be willing to take on the remainder of Walker's contract. Nightengale brought up again on Monday that the Astros will likely look to move Walker this winter.
"Walker’s name came up in trade talks with the Minnesota Twins when they landed Carlos Correa, and they’ll gladly listen to all offers for him this winter trying to shed the remaining two years and $40 million in his contract."
The Astros may have difficulty finding a team willing to take on the remaining $40 million on Walker's contract. As stated earlier, he regressed in 2025. Additionally, he is heading into his age-35 season, meaning his best days are likely behind him. Regardless, he is still an exceptional defensive first baseman, posting two outs above average (78th percentile) in 2025 after three straight Gold Glove Award-winning seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Again, Walker doesn't make much sense for the Twins, and the front office already demonstrated its disinterest in the former Diamondbacks first baseman when it passed on him this past summer. But a team that is willing to shell out more money and in need of a first baseman, such as the New York Yankees, could be willing to pay Walker $40 million for the next two seasons.