Christian Walker’s Stellar Performance Highlights Value to Diamondbacks
This past week has showcased just how crucial Christian Walker is to the Diamondbacks. During a 4-2 road trip against the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, Walker went 11-for-27 with five homers, 11 RBI, one double, and three walks. His performance in the Dodgers series was particularly impressive.
Walker’s Impressive 2024 Stats
So far in 2024, Walker is hitting .268/.340/.513 with 22 homers, 64 RBI, and 18 doubles. He leads all MLB first basemen in defensive runs saved and is tied for the lead in outs above average. According to Fangraphs WAR, Walker entered Sunday as the 10th-most valuable position player in the National League.
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All-Star Snub
Despite these accomplishments, Walker was not included in the final All-Star Game rosters announced on ESPN on Sunday. Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies, Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Pete Alonso of the New York Mets will represent the NL at first base.
“It stings a little bit,” Walker said, “but it is what it is. Those guys deserve it; nothing but credit to them. Harper, Freeman, Alonso; all All-Star caliber players for sure.”
Walker added: “To be honest, I got the support and the respect of my teammates and my peers and my coaches. Nothing else really matters.”
Manager’s Frustration
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo expressed his frustration, stating that Walker “deserved wholeheartedly” to make the team. Both Harper and Freeman had higher Fangraphs WAR than Walker entering Sunday, but Alonso’s stats lag behind Walker’s across the board.
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Flaws in MLB’s All-Star Selection Process
Walker’s snub highlights flaws in MLB’s All-Star selection process, which doesn’t always favor the most deserving players. Fans are responsible for selecting starting position players, often influenced by factors like market size. Additionally, 17 of the other 23 players in each league are selected via a players’ ballot, with the remaining six picked by the commissioner’s office.
Timing of the player ballots also plays a role. According to the Diamondbacks, player ballots had to be submitted by Sunday, June 30, disadvantaging players like Walker who perform well closer to the All-Star break. Furthermore, MLB’s requirement for each team to have at least one representative can prevent the selection of the most deserving players. Alonso was selected as the Mets’ lone representative, despite Walker’s superior stats.
Potential for Future Recognition
Technically, Walker could still make the NL All-Star roster as an injury substitute. Harper is currently on the 10-day injured list for a hamstring injury, but he is expected to return in time for the All-Star game. Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts and Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. are also hurt and not expected to play. While it’s unlikely the league would select Walker to replace a player from a different position, it’s not impossible.
“We’re gonna keep our fingers crossed,” Lovullo said.
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Looking Ahead
After Sunday’s game, Lovullo met with Walker in his office. An All-Star appearance might not happen this year, but Lovullo assured Walker that his time would come.
“It’ll happen at some point,” Lovullo said. “You’re just too good of a player.”
Even at age 33, Walker seems to be improving. Unfortunately for the Diamondbacks, Walker is set to become a free agent at the end of the year and is expected to be in high demand. If this is Walker’s last chance to represent the Diamondbacks as an All-Star, it’s a shame it had to end this way.
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