The Yankees have one less first baseman to consider.
After early talks fizzled, top free agent Christian Walker instead is joining the Astros on a three-year, $60 million deal, The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed.
This move will have multiple ripples across the sport since it could potentially signal that longtime Astros star Alex Bregman will have a new home in 2025.
The Post’s Joel Sherman exclusively reported that the Yankees and Walker had renewed conversations after the Bronx Bombers lost Juan Soto the Mets, but those talks stalled.
Walker, who turns 34 next March, had certain factors working against him.
The Yankees would have had to forfeit even more draft picks to sign him since Walker turned down the qualifying offer and they already lost two picks to sign Max Fried.
The addition of Cody Bellinger, who can play first base, also gave the Yankees additional payroll on their books, plus a capable first baseman should they find an outfielder to be a better fit.
It’s possible the Yankees could look to go cheaper at first base and target a potential one- or -two year deal, versus committing several years to Walker.
Mets first baseman Pete Alonso remains the top free agent at the position, while veteran Paul Goldschmidt could be a candidate for a one-year deal.
Trade options include the Guardians’ Josh Naylor, the Rays’ Yandy Diaz and the Rangers’ Nathaniel Lowe.
Walker joining the Astros should help the team fortify the position after the team moved on from failed free-agent signing Jose Abreu last year.
Houston received just 18 homers and 68 RBIs from its first basemen last year.
Walker slashed .251/.335/.468 with an .803 OPS, to go along with 26 homers and 84 RBIs spanning 130 games last season.
His arrival should coincide with Bregman’s departure, with the sides already disagreeing on value and the Astros now committing significantly to Walker.
