He was the 10th-inning hero in the Diamondbacks’ 7-5 win over the Padres on Saturday and dominated Dodger Stadium with five home runs in three games. Yet, despite these achievements, plus everything else he has contributed to the Diamondbacks this season, Christian Walker was not selected for what would have been his first-ever All-Star Game.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Instead of Walker, Pete Alonso was chosen as the backup first baseman behind the Phillies’ Bryce Harper and the Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman, benefiting from the rule requiring at least one player from every team to attend the All-Star Game.
When comparing Pete Alonso with Christian Walker, it is clear who has had the better season thus far.
Pete Alonso made the NL All-Star team over Christian Walker. pic.twitter.com/idMzF3nmba
— PHNX Diamondbacks (@PHNX_Dbacks) July 7, 2024
Walker’s performance in the fan voting process was hampered by the fact that voting closed on June 30th. Since then, Walker has been on a tear at the plate, recording 14 hits in 31 at-bats, including five home runs and 13 RBIs.
Despite the snub, Walker’s reaction was pure class. The Diamondbacks’ first baseman acknowledged that he has received all the respect he needs from his teammates and coaching staff. Walker noted, “It stings a little bit, but it is what it is. Those guys deserve it. Nothing but credit to them. To be honest, I got the support and the respect of my teammates and my peers and my coaches, and nothing else really matters.”
Video credits to @JesseNFriedman:
When asked about his All-Star break plans, Walker humorously told Jesse Friedman at PHNX Sports, “Try not to melt.”
Manager Torey Lovullo also commented on the snub, pointing out how Ketel Marte being left out of last year’s All-Star Game motivated him to have the best first half of a season in his career. Lovullo said, “Guys get left off all the time. It happened to Ketel [Marte] last year. But it motivated him into what he is this year. I know Walk is feeling the same way.”
The 2024 MLB All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday, July 16th at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers.
