Pete Alonso was on the long list of potential Houston Astros Goals from the past few months.

The Astros’ front office hasn’t always been willing to make high-priced deals, but if they believe slacking off will help them get back to their winning ways, perhaps they’ll give him what he’s looking for.

Otherwise, there are other players they could pursue, making it more likely that Houston could end up with a first baseman if the front office believes they need it.

Other options include Christian Walker, who wouldn’t be a bad runner-up prize.

In fact, some believe Walker is the better player, and given the price difference in contracts, the Astros may be better off pursuing him instead of Alonso.

But the problem is that many teams around Major League Baseball may feel the same way.

Accordingly ESPN’s David SchoenfieldHe expects more clubs to be interested in Walker than Alonso due to the price difference.

“Speaking of Alonso, the four-time All-Star is the bigger name and one of the best hitters in free agency, but Walker is likely to have more teams looking to sign him, with the Mets and Yankees likely to duel Alonso is entering his age-34 season, while Alonso is entering his age-30 season — but that age difference will limit Walker’s overall dollar amount (McDaniel projects a six-year, $159 million contract for Alonso and a three-year, $57 contract for Walker). million-dollar contract) makes him more attractive to a wider range of teams.”

Statistically, Alonso has become one of the best, if not the strongest spikers in the world in recent seasons.

His power numbers will rival some of the best in MLB history over a five-year span.

Walker has also swung the bat at a high level over the past three seasons, so neither has the upper hand.

The only issue Houston would have to consider would center around Walker’s age. They have seen what can happen to older players and if they are worried that he will refuse, paying Alonso would be a better decision.

Walker is expected to sign a short-term contract, which will give them leverage in their quest to complete the deal and give them confidence in the contract they have given him.

Signing either player would make this an A+ winter for the Astros.

More may need to be done, but the biggest problem in recent demonstrations has been the first phase.