Convenience Big Store: Astros' Christian Walker takes trade rumors in stride, focuses on field

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Christian Walker's name came up plenty during the Astros' offseason. That wasn't necessarily a good thing, as he was the speculation of trade rumors. But Walker reported to spring training Thursday, said he understood the chatter comes with the territory and he plans to be Houston's everyday first baseman, even with a glut of infielders on the roster.

Want the latest from Milan Cortina? Be sure to check out our Olympics page.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning's headlines.

Greg Rajan, Weekend Sports Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros Christian Walker (8) reacts after hitting a single fifth the fourth inning of an MLB baseball game in Houston, Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Plowing ahead

Christian Walker said the trade chatter around him is part of the business but said he plans to be the Astros' everyday first baseman, even with a crowded infield.

'Gut feel' move: Kai-Wei Teng's small MLB sample size hardly jumps out, but Astros GM Dana Brown says the team's vaunted pitching program made acquiring him worth it. Read More
Held in high regard: Justin Verlander said the Astros were on his short list of preferred destinations for 2026 before making a return to Detroit. Read More

Texans / NFL

Exterior of NRG stadium in the first half at NRG Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022 in Houston.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Staff Photographer

Closer to new facility

Welcome to Toro District. The Texans hope to finish building a new headquarters and training facility on the outskirts of Harris County by 2029 after agreeing to a deal with the county and a developer.

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) wants a holding call against LA Clippers guard Kobe Sanders (4) at the Toyota Center in Houston on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

KD turns the tables

"I can read between the lines, bro": Kevin Durant turned around the question when asked if he and some of the other American veterans in this weekend's NBA All-Star Game planned on playing hard.

University of Houston Men's Basketball head coach Kelvin Sampson speaks during a celebration event for the team at Fertitta Center in Houston, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The Cougars lost to Florida for NCAA basketball title.

Photo by: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle

Sampson's next step

Up next for Basketball Hall of Fame finalist Kelvin Sampson is a voting process that has been described as "very secretive."

Jackson not in action: An injury sustained in practice will sideline Cougars guard Bryce Jackson, possibly for more than a month. Read More
Brewski time: Bud Light partners with UH to put Cougars-branded beer cans on area shelves. Read More

College Baseball

Texas Longhorns pitcher Ruger Riojas (13) throws a pitch during the game against Dartmouth at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Photo by: Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman

Fully armed

The Longhorns' Thomas Burns says his team's pitching staff is "a bunch of savage out-getters." They have reason to be confident as the season starts tonight.

Better than expected? The 2025 season was a tough one for Texas A&M. As a new campaign begins today, the Aggies are flying under the radar. But should they be? Read More

Women's College Basketball

Texas center Kyla Oldacre, left, and Texas guard Jordan Lee, right, defend Vanderbilt guard Mikayla Blakes, center, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Photo by: George Walker IV, Associated Press

Commodores sail on

Fourth-ranked Texas fell to 0-3 against ranked opponents on the road after No. 5 Vanderbilt cruised to a double-digit victory that had Longhorns coach Vic Schaefer fuming afterward.

Silver medalist United States' Chloe Kim, left, claps as gold medalist South Korea's Choi Ga-on celebrates winning the the women's snowboarding halfpipe finals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Livigno, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Photo by: Abbie Parr, Associated Press

Silver? It's not so bad

Competing with in injured shoulder, American star Chloe Kim's bid for a third gold in a row in the halfpipe came up short. She's OK with that, though.

At her side: Myles Garrett picked up another NFL Defensive Player of the Year award last week, then made the trip to Italy to show his support for his girlfriend Chloe Kim in the Olympic snowboard halfpipe. Read More
Opening statement: Brock Nelson scored twice and four teammates had two assists apiece as the U.S. men's hockey team opened by rolling past Latvia. Read More
Back from broken leg: Italian skier Federica Brignone posted the fastest time in the women's Super-G, after the 35-year-old Brignone broke multiple bones in her left leg in April that required two surgeries to fix. Read More
Heraskevych out: Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych is out of the Milan Cortina Games after he refused to stop wearing a banned tribute helmet. Read More
TV listings: Today's schedule of televised events for the Milan Cortina Olympics. Read More