Previewing the Arizona Diamondbacks’ potential 2024 Opening Day line-up
By Noah Wright
First Base
Christian Walker
Christian Walker has silently become one of the best first basemen in baseball. Since his 2019 breakout season, only five first basemen have more fWAR than Walker’s +12.5. They are Freddie Freeman, Paul Goldschmidt, Max Muncy, and Pete Alonso. Last year Walker had an outstanding season at the plate and an even better year with his glove.
Walker slashed .258/.333/.497 with a .351 wOBA, and 120 wRC+. The first baseman provided a ton of pop with 33 home runs, the second 30+ homer campaign in a row. But his .239 ISO was a career best. Walker also struck out less than 20% of the time with a 19.2% K% and paired that with a solid 9.4% walk rate.
Walker has been one of the best defensive first basemen in the game for the last few seasons. Last year, he won his second consecutive Gold Glove after having +9 DRS and +12 OAA. Only one other 1B came within five OAA of Walker last year, and that was Anthony Rizzo at +7. He also has the most OAA by a first baseman in the Statcast era at +44, giving him a large margin of 14 outs compared to second place.
Walker is easily the second best first baseman in D-Backs’ history behind Paul Goldschmidt. Look for him to continue to solidify that title this season. He’s a potential 30+ home run threat who will be the best defender at his position. Not many first basemen have the offensive and defensive upside that Walker brings.