Christian Walker continues to set a strong example for the Diamondbacks since becoming their everyday first baseman. Entering the organization in 2017 as a waiver claim, he has long since proven his value to the club as a slugger, run producer, and one of the best defensive players in club history. Despite all that he’s accomplished, Walker is always one of the first players on the field taking ground balls to stay sharp on defense, and is always looking to improve where he can.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!His outstanding work ethic and passion for the game was instilled by his father, Scott Walker, at a young age. Scott Walker passed away in 2016 at the age of 53, the number that Christian wears on the back of his jersey. That work ethic kept his career alive long enough to earn an opportunity with the Diamondbacks in the 2019 season. A trade of Paul Goldschmidt, one of the best homegrown players in the franchise’s history, and an injury to Jake Lamb opened the door for Walker to play every day at first base.
Freddie Freeman and Bryce Harper are the top two players at the position in terms of Wins Above Replacement, but Walker comes in third place. Following the nine starters, the player ballots and the league will determine the other 11 position players. Harper and Freeman will certainly get named as the starter and the top backup at the position, so Walker’s only chance starts by finishing in third place on the player ballots. With Ketel Marte in the mix to start the All-Star Game at second base, the Diamondbacks will have at least one representative.
Should Walker be named to the All-Star team, it would be another impressive accolade to add to one of the league’s best perseverance stories in the past decade. He did not get an opportunity to play every day until his Age 28 season, but has made the most of it and become one of the top players at his position. By naming him an All-Star, it signals that a talented player who is determined enough to put the necessary work in on a daily basis is celebrated across the league. Only time will tell if Walker will get his chance to showcase himself amongst the league’s best players at Globe Life Field next month.
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
