Free agent first baseman Christian Walker is close to signing with the Houston Astros. Walker and the Astros are reportedly in serious talks, but the official deal is pending a physical.

The discussion between the two parties are reportedly on “the 10-yard line,” according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The signing of Walker would practically guarantee free agent third baseman Alex Bregman won’t be returning to Houston next season.

Christian Walker declined a qualifying offer from the Arizona Diamondbacks, so the deal with the Astros means Houston will lose its second and fifth-highest selections in the 2025 draft. However, if Bregman signs elsewhere, the Astros will receive a compensatory pick after the fourth round.

Walker has spent eight seasons with the Diamondbacks and has terrorized the Los Angeles Dodgers throughout his tenure with the division rivals. The first baseman has hit 17 homers in 41 career games against the Dodgers.

Walker hit seven home runs against the Dodgers in 2024. Five of Walker’s homers came from the final three-game series between the two NL West teams. While Walker may be leaving the division, the first baseman will be joining a bitter rival this winter.