The Houston Astros had a rough 2026 season, but defense wasn’t necessarily the problem. Houston committed 73 fielding errors during the regular season, which is on the lower end of the league average.

Despite the challenges they faced this season, Christian Walker (first base) and Cam Smith (right field) were named Gold Glove finalists.

While errors may have been made, two players stood out on the field and helped keep this team alive.

Both players are at very different points in their careers. Walker is a 35-year-old veteran, and Smith is a 23-year-old who debuted in March 2025. Walker is a three-time Gold Glove winner and a reliable first baseman. He may have struggled at the plate after the All-Star break, but he still did his job at first, and his defensive performance has been recognized with another Gold Glove nomination. Walker committed just three errors in 154 games.

As for Smith, he was recognized for his performance in right field. Smith had a great season defensively and played a large role in big moments. Similar to Walker, the 23-year-old brought power to the plate but struggled with consistency at the plate. That being said, he clearly did his job in right field. Smith recorded seven Outs Above Average, up from just one in 2025. His range ranked in the 91st percentile, while his arm strength ranked in the 80th percentile. Smith is young. If he can improve his batting average and pair that with his elite defensive skills, he is going to be dangerous.

If Smith can improve his performance at the plate, he could easily become a very important part of the Astros’ future. As for Walker, with trade rumors swirling, another Gold Glove could give Houston another reason to keep him. Both players have a lot to offer, and this nomination proves that they just need to be more consistent at the plate.

This is a positive takeaway from a rough 2026 season, especially for Walker, who went through a serious slump after the All-Star break. Heading into the 2027 season, their strengths have been highlighted, and now it is about tightening up their weaknesses.

The winners have not been announced yet, but either way, it is a nice positive note as they navigate the beginning of the offseason. An offseason with lots of questions to be answered. The winners will be announced Sunday, November 1, on ESPN.