Guardians linked to $60 million Astros slugger as intriguing trade target

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Guardians linked to $60 million Astros slugger as intriguing trade target originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cleveland Guardians are sitting atop the AL Central as June begins, and with how good the team has looked so far, there is little doubt they're going to act as trade deadline buyers.

But what could they look to acquire? Unfortunately, Tarik Skubal is out of the question due to the Detroit Tigers not likely trading him to a division rival. However, pitching isn't all the Guardians need, as they could use another slugger in the lineup.

Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report linked the Guardians to a pair of sluggers, with one in the form of $60 million Houston Astros veteran first baseman Christian Walker being the more intriguing choice for Cleveland this season.

Guardians linked to Christian Walker in trade with Astros​

"An upgrade over Rhys Hoskins, a first base//DH might make the most sense," Kelly writes. "Would the Guardians be willing to take on the $20 million owed to Christian Walker in 2027 if the Houston Astros are sellers?"

Adding a new slugger to the lineup is something the Guardians should strongly consider this season, and Walker might be one of the more intriguing options available.

While he's very expensive, halfway through his three-year, $60 million contract, with $20 million owed to him in 2027, the Guardians might be willing to pay Walker to bolster the offense with a righty slugger this team needs.

MORE: Tarik Skubal being traded by Tigers would help him in free agency

Walker has 16 home runs this season with a .247 batting average, 45 RBIs (most in AL), 10 doubles, 37 runs scored, 58 hits, 21 walks, and an .812 OPS.

Adding someone like Walker would instantly provide a jolt to the offense and give the Guardians a new full-time first baseman who also happens to be a three-time Gold Glove award winner at the position.

While it won't be cheap to acquire him from the Astros, and it won't be cheap to have him under contract next year, if the Guardians are serious about contending in 2026, then Walker is an intriguing trade target to strongly consider.

More MLB news:​

• 5 reasons to believe in Jordan Walker's breakout for Cardinals
• Ex-MLB GM projects White Sox to sell at trade deadline despite 2026 success
• Cubs’ cost to trade for Tarik Skubal from Tigers revealed by ex-MLB GM
• Yankees’ Ryan McMahon problem has a $25 million release solution
• Phillies extending Cristopher Sanchez to his $107 million deal was genius

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