SAN DIEGO, CA - JUNE 15: Christian Walker #53 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres July 15, 2022 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
Arizona first baseman Christian Walker entered his “walk” year — he is eligible for free agency in 2025 — with no intention of walking away from the franchise that gave him his first real chance.
“The focus right now is winning the World Series with this group of guys,” Walker said as the Diamondbacks’ began defense of their 2023 National League pennant.
“Obviously this is my team. These are my guys. I am very familiar with the D-Backs and happy with my experience here.
All that being said, the only thing I can do is focus on winning games right now and being the best version of myself for my teammates.
“What happens in the next few months happens.”
Whatever happens, Walker can expect a hefty pay raise, perhaps in the $20 million per year range, although his camp has set no expectations and that figure is speculation driven by market history.
Whatever the price, it could be considered a just reward for a player who was blocked by Chris Davis and Joey Votto early in his career before embracing the grind and rising to the top of his class in Arizona.
“He stands for everything we believe in,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “There is a passion for learning every day.
He cares about his teammates and he cares about his coaches. He cares about everything that is right.”
