HOUSTON \u2014 Although changing teams is part of baseball, as Free Agency and especially the Trade Deadline reminds us of every season \u2014 it\u2019s never \u201cgood bye.\u201d It\u2019s \u201cI\u2019ll see you later.\u201d One example is happening with the Houston Astros<\/a>, as a trio of former Arizona Diamondbacks<\/a> has reunited. Third base coach Tony Perezchica<\/a><\/strong> arrived with the Astros in the off-season with Cooper Hummel<\/a><\/strong> already on the team, and a few days later, to see the Astros sign Christian Walker<\/a><\/strong>. Hummel, through a series of roster moves, left the Astros after spring training but returned to the team June 7, where he stayed until the Astros designated him for assignment August 11.<\/p>\n Recently, this reporter spoke to each of the three. The first was Walker, who was one of the Astros\u2019 biggest offseason acquisitions. While Walker was in Arizona, Perezchica \u2014 who doubles as the infield coach \u2014 worked infield drills with him daily, often starting well before the gates opened to fans. Walker even credited his three straight Gold Gloves to Perezchica\u2019s tutelage.<\/p>\n Did Perezchica\u2019s presence influence Walker\u2019s decision to sign there, even a little?<\/p>\n \u201cI probably would have come regardless,\u201d Walker said. \u201cBut it was icing on the cake to have your guy, a familiar face. Tony’s changed my game, and it\u2019s exciting to think about continuing to play with him.\u201d<\/p>\n Perezchica has greatly enjoyed his time in Houston, and getting Walker back was an added bonus that came a few days after he began coaching with the Astros. \u201cA lot of good people here, like there are in Arizona,\u201d he said. \u201cThe organization \u2014 very, very blessed. Great players, like I did (in Arizona). Good culture. Have definitely enjoyed it. The people here have been tremendous, from the GM all the way through all our coaches and our manager, Joe (Espada).\u201d As for Walker, \u201cI knew what we were getting here. He’s a guy that, when he\u2019s hot, he can carry a team. I know defensively what he can do for our infielders. There’s always talk of, \u2018Oh well, you know, he hasn’t been doing\u2014’ No, no, no. He’s been doing his thing. Our infielders are always in a better position when he’s there. He’s definitely has helped.\u201d<\/p>\n Hummel was with the Astros organization in 2024, so he was the one welcoming Perezchica and Walker to the fold. But through a series of roster moves, Hummel was let go in the spring. He spent around two months with the New York Yankees<\/a>\u2019 Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton\/Wilkes Barre RailRiders, before joining the Baltimore Orioles<\/a> for one game. They also let him go, and a week later, the Astros signed him to a minor-league deal. One week later, after another Astro got hurt, they needed him again, and Hummel was right back with them.<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever they ask of me, I\u2019m here to do it,\u201d a smiling Hummel said. As a bonus, Hummel got to be with one of his favorite coaches and one of his favorite teammates. \u201cTP is the best,\u201d he said. \u201cThe energy he brings everyday, the knowledge \u2014 he’s the master. He’s the best.\u201d He added of Walker, \u201cWe really connect over hitting and are able to pick each other’s brains on things. Whether we’re feeling great or we’re not feeling great, I feel like I can always talk to him about anything, whether it\u2019s baseball or life.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe’s such a good tool to have in the toolbox,\u201d Walker said of Hummel. \u201cHe’s good at multiple positions. The switch hitting \u2014 it feels like there’s always a chance to get him in the game. And that’s super valuable, especially with what we have going on right now with all the injuries and as many guys banged up as we have. To have somebody that can play a bunch of different spots out in the field, one who seems like the matchup is always on his side? That’s an extremely valuable thing to have. So I was pumped to have him for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n Walker was on the field when Hummel made his major league debut on Opening Day 2022, so he has seen him grow as a player and as a person. \u201cThe skill set is great, and the ceiling is high. What I\u2019m seeing is that he\u2019s learning about himself, how he moves, and what his habits are.\u201d Walker added that Hummel\u2019s biggest asset is how much he cares about improving. \u201cHe wants to continue to move the needle and continue his journey toward being a dominant big-league player. He\u2019ll put in the work, and he puts in the thought. He\u2019s willing to go the extra mile. When you pair a good skill set with somebody who plays the game really hard, and then add this high level of care and awareness about who he is and who he wants to be? It\u2019s a recipe for a really good player.\u201d<\/p>\n When Hummel left Arizona, he told Walker and Perezchica, \u201cI\u2019ll see you later.\u201d Perezchica and Walker said the same thing when Walker filed for free agency. And that\u2019s exactly what happened.<\/p>\n The main photo is a collage of two images.Tony Perezchica<\/h4>\n
Cooper Hummel<\/h4>\n
The Growth<\/h4>\n
Main Photo:<\/h4>\n
\nTop: Embed from Getty Images<\/a>