MLB Trade Rumors: Astros & Padres Proposed Deal Lands 3X Gold Glover in San Diego

The San Diego Padres have themselves a bit of a hole at first base going into 2026, after letting three-time batting champion Luis Arraez go to the San Francisco Giants in free agency.

So why not replace him with a three-time Gold Glover at first? That's the idea behind a proposed trade coming to us from David Schoenfield of ESPN. He suggests the Friars target Houston Astros' first baseman Christian Walker in this mock deal:

San Diego Padres receive:

Christian Walker, 1B
Cash

Houston Astros receive:

Bradgley Rodriguez, RHP (Padres' No. 12 prospect)

Walker won the Gold Glove at first from 2022 through 2024, and has launched 122 home runs over the past four seasons. His first year in Houston wasn't considered a success, however, as his on-base percentage dipped to a career-low .297, and his OPS was a below-average 97, down about 25 points from each of the previous three years.

Bringing him in to play first would allow the Padres to play Jake Croenenworth at second base, as his defense at 1B wasn't very effective.

Additionally, Walker would provide a home run boost that San Diego needs, after finishing 28th in the majors in homers last season.

As for the Astros, they would get Rodriguez, the Padres' 12th-ranked prospect, in this proposed deal. Shoenfield calls him "a big-league ready reliever who can help a Houston bullpen that is a little thin from the right side beyond Bryan Abreu." The 22-year-old got his feet wet in the majors in September, and across 7.2 total innings with the Padres, he posted a 1.17 ERA while striking out nine against three walks.

The scouting reports say he has significant strikeout potential and features a fastball that can reach 101 mph.