If the Houston Astros are going to contend in 2025, they're going to need Christian Walker to maintain his elite numbers at the plate while also providing the Gold Glove-winning defense that he's produced the past three years.

Christian Walker, sidelined since March 2 with soreness in his oblique muscle, is expected to play in a spring game before Astros break camp.

Framber Valdez is going to make his fourth consecutive opening-day start for the Houston Astros. Manager Joe Espada told reporters that Valdez will take the mound when the Astros host the New York Mets on March 27.

The Astros will get that quest underway on March 27 when they open their season against the New York Mets. When they take on the defending National League runners-up, Houston will have a familiar face on the mound. Framber Valdez will start on Opening Day for the Astros for the fourth year in a row, according to the team in a social media post.

The Houston Astros are going to look different on Opening Day this season than the year prior. That has become a staple for this franchise during their dynastic