The arrival of first baseman Christian Walker likely guarantees the end of an era in Houston.

The Houston Astros reportedly agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal with free-agent first baseman Christian Walker on Friday, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, likely bringing another impact bat into manager Joe Espada's 2025 lineup card. But Walker's impending arrival also signals the near guarantee of an All-Star's departure sooner than later.

Adding Walker effectively eliminates Houston from the running in the multi-team pursuit of free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman given the club's self-imposed spending constraints. Perhaps that was an inevitability given Bregman's rising price tag, which could surpass $200 million. Still, for Houston fans accustomed to Bregman as the leader of a dynasty, Friday's report likely brings a dose of heartbreak.

Walker, to his credit, is perhaps the most underrated free agent on the market this winter as he approaches his age-34 season. The 10-year veteran is simultaneously a zero-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove winner, and since 2022, he's mashed 95 home runs while posting an OPS+ 23 percent above league average. Walker is a player worthy of the Midsummer Classic. A move to Houston -- and the hitter-friendly confines of Daikin Park -- could soon make Walker the premier first baseman in the American League.

Walker's arrival rounds out a strange, yet impressive infield in Houston for 2025, even without Bregman. Walker and Jose Altuve create a dynamite right side of the infield. There's less guaranteed production but significant upside in the left-side combination of shortstop Jeremy Peña and new third baseman Isaac Paredes (acquired in last week's trade of Kyle Tucker).

The Astros still project to be a winning team in 2025, and 90-plus victories is still possible. Will any of it be satisfying after the exit of two of Houston's franchise anchors? The question could loom over owner Jim Crane and Co. throughout next summer.