Christian Walker, whom the Astros signed with an eye toward an upgrade at first base, says joining Houston was a "no-brainer."

The Houston Astros will need to cut ties with some players, including Justin Verlander, following the $60 million signing of first baseman Christian Walker.

The Astros welcomed first baseman Christian Walker to the team Monday, in one of two moves that almost certainly marks the end of Alex Bregman’s time in Houston. Walker signed a $60 million, three-year contract that will pay him $20 million annually just more than a week after the Astros acquired infielder Isaac Paredes from Cubs in the trade that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago.