On a recent Sunday at Petco Park, Christian Walker was spotted diligently taking ground balls and catching throws from teammates—an all-too-familiar sight for Diamondbacks fans. As he approaches the final year of his contract, Walker remains dedicated to perfecting his craft, embodying the hard work that has defined his journey in Major League Baseball.
A Strong Season and Impressive Stats
At 33 years old, Walker is in the midst of a remarkable season. With 22 home runs and 64 RBIs, he is on pace to achieve career highs with projections of 40 home runs and 115 RBIs. His exceptional performance has made him a key player in the Diamondbacks’ lineup, starting 88 of the team’s 90 games. His durability and consistent offensive output have not gone unnoticed, with fans and teammates expressing surprise at his exclusion from the All-Star team.
Walker has not only excelled offensively but has also continued to shine defensively. He is widely regarded as one of the best all-around first basemen in baseball, showcasing his skills game after game. Despite facing challenges in the past, including a season ruined by injury in 2021, Walker has emerged as a cornerstone player for the Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks’ Commitment to Walker
As Walker heads into free agency, the Diamondbacks are reportedly interested in re-signing him. General Manager Mike Hazen affirmed this sentiment, stating, “He’s been a cornerstone player for us.” Hazen emphasized that the organization has the financial flexibility to make a competitive offer, indicating a commitment to retaining Walker’s talents.
“He does things we want to see from all our players,” Hazen added, highlighting Walker’s work ethic and approach at the plate. The general manager praised Walker’s performance this season as the “legit maturation of a really good hitter,” underscoring his integral role in the team’s success.
A Unique Career Path
Walker’s journey to the major leagues has been anything but ordinary. Drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2012, he struggled to find a consistent spot in the lineup due to established players ahead of him, such as Chris Davis and later Paul Goldschmidt. After bouncing through various organizations, Walker found a home with the Diamondbacks, seizing his opportunity when Goldschmidt was traded.
Former Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta noted, “He was always getting better… just waiting for that opportunity.” That patience and perseverance paid off as Walker has established himself as a solidly above-average offensive player.
Preparing for Free Agency
As Walker nears free agency, he feels a mix of excitement and introspection. He describes his current mindset as “playing with house money,” acknowledging the significance of this phase in his career. However, he emphasizes that his focus remains on the game rather than maximizing his market value.
“There’s no mindset with, like, trying to drive a market up,” Walker stated. He is aware of the possibility of playing elsewhere next season but is determined to approach the situation with the same dedication he has always shown.
“I love Arizona and the guys here,” he reflected. “But also the reality is there’s a chance this could be the last summer I’m playing with these guys.”
Embracing the Moment
Walker is making a conscious effort to appreciate every moment of the season. His commitment to his teammates and the Diamondbacks is evident, as he balances the realities of free agency with the joy of playing the game he loves.
“I’m just trying to enjoy the moments the most I can,” he said, underscoring his desire to savor the experience. As Walker continues to shine on the field, both fans and the organization hope he remains a pivotal part of the Diamondbacks’ future.
