PHOENIX, AZ – In a standout achievement, Christian Walker earned his third consecutive National League Gold Glove award on Sunday, solidifying his place as one of the best defensive first basemen in MLB. Walker led the league’s first basemen in key defensive metrics and remained a reliable anchor for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ infield.
Walker’s Dominance in Defensive Metrics
Walker distinguished himself among National League first basemen by topping defensive metrics like Outs Above Average (OAA) and Fielding Run Value. With 13 Outs Above Average, he outpaced the Phillies’ Bryce Harper and Braves’ Matt Olson, the two other Gold Glove finalists. Baseball Savant credited Walker with a fielding run value of 10, placing him well above Harper and Olson.
“[Walker] is the best defensive first baseman in baseball by a long shot,” Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said. “He’s earned all that. That wasn’t the case six or seven years ago. He’s put in all the time and effort [to do] that.”
Walker’s .998 fielding percentage also led the National League, showcasing his dependability at first base.
Diamondbacks History: Joining Elite Company
Walker’s latest accolade places him alongside Diamondbacks legends. Only pitcher Zack Greinke and former first baseman Paul Goldschmidt have won at least three Gold Gloves with the organization. Walker now matches Goldschmidt’s total of three, adding another level of prestige to his career with the Diamondbacks.
Though he took over first base from Goldschmidt in 2019, Walker has since built his own legacy. “I think that the value he brings is in giving us the confidence that all we need to do is get the ball close to him,” Diamondbacks shortstop Kevin Newman said. “There’s a really good chance that he’s gonna pick you up.”
A Strong Season for D-Backs’ Defense, Despite Limited Awards
The Diamondbacks had an impressive defensive showing this season, with five players nominated as Gold Glove finalists. Alongside Walker, catcher Gabriel Moreno, second baseman Ketel Marte, and outfielders Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Jake McCarthy were also honored as finalists, though they didn’t secure wins. Giants catcher Patrick Bailey, Brewers second baseman Brice Turang, Cubs left fielder Ian Happ, and Brewers right fielder Sal Frelick took home the awards in their respective positions.
A Look at Arizona’s Other Finalists
- Gabriel Moreno: The young catcher, who won the Gold Glove in 2023, continued his strong performance behind the plate. Moreno threw out 29% of base stealers, well above the league average of 21%. However, injuries limited him, allowing Bailey to lead the league with 20 defensive runs saved.
- Ketel Marte: The second baseman displayed his best defensive season, recording eight Outs Above Average and 10 defensive runs saved, putting him just behind leaders like Turang.
- Lourdes Gurriel Jr.: In left field, Gurriel posted three Outs Above Average and tallied three defensive runs saved, solidifying his improvement since joining the Diamondbacks.
- Jake McCarthy: Known for his versatility, McCarthy played all three outfield positions this season. Despite ranking 12th among all outfielders in Outs Above Average, his -3 defensive runs saved kept him from securing the award.
Walker’s Future with the Diamondbacks Remains Uncertain
With his impressive season behind him, Walker now enters free agency. Arizona is expected to offer him a qualifying offer valued at $21.05 million for 2025, yet he may choose to test the open market. Given his defensive prowess and consistent contributions, Walker could attract strong interest from teams looking for a high-impact first baseman.
“We have a long history with Christian Walker, way back in the day,” said Hazen. “All the way back to when he was an up-down guy in Triple-A for us. The amount of pride that I think we have in what he has accomplished and made himself into as a player is something that I’m extremely proud of from an organizational standpoint.”
Walker’s Defensive Legacy in Arizona
Since taking over first base in 2019, Walker has grown into a reliable, even elite, defensive player for the Diamondbacks. Although he started his career as a less polished defender, Walker invested time and effort to develop his fielding skills. This transformation earned him recognition and solidified his status as one of the best defensive players in the league.
Whether Walker stays with Arizona or moves on, his contribution to the team and his Gold Glove accolades have left a lasting mark on the Diamondbacks’ history.
