I am not sure that we are truly at the point to say we were wrong about Christian Walker heading into the 2022 baseball season, but things are certainly trending in that direction. The Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman did not receive much in the way of respect in the pre-season fantasy baseball rankings, and that was evident by his NFBC ADP of 496 as the 47th player at his position coming off the board. 

With a little over two months left in the MLB regular season, Walker would certainly be drafted a lot higher knowing what we know now. What potentially makes the first baseman even more appealing is that he can statistically back up the positive aspects that we have seen through action on Sunday and there is optimism for the part of his game that has left something to be desired. 

 

 

 

Fantasy Baseball Player Spotlight: Christian Walker

 


Let us first begin with the best part of Walker’s game as he is 12th in the league with 21.5 expected home runs. That has also translated into real, actionable, results as the first baseman has gone deep 22 times this year. Of those 22 home runs, 54.5% of them (11th in the league out of those with at least 15 home runs) have been classified as “no doubters” per Baseball Savant. 

The power has never truly been an issue for Walker, but this season he has found consistency in that area of his game and the fact that Arizona has provided him with consistent and steady playing time has been invaluable. 

Walker’s power has been on display with a .245 ISO and with a 14%-barrel rate and 15.6-degree launch angle, the quality of contact is there as well. What is also important to note here is that none of these metrics are that outlandish compared to what we have previously seen from Walker and all are completely attainable and repeatable moving forward. 

 

 

 

While Arizona might not have the best lineup surrounding Walker, it has not truly hindered him to this point with 47 RBI and 44 runs scored. Sure, the production could be better with an improved supporting cast, but based on the price we paid for Walker on draft day, it is hard to argue with it. The fact that Walker is still available in 52% of Yahoo leagues also makes him a viable option for those of you (and who isn’t) looking to improve in the power department. 

We covered the good, so now it is time to get to what has not gone as well for Walker so far this season. That very clearly is his .206 batting average, but I am also here to tell you that we should have optimism. 

The biggest question that bears answering if we are going to take that stance, and it certainly is a fair question, is when? To this point it has not taken place for Walker even though his .191 BABIP says that the only place for his batting average to go is up. If you believe in his .250 xBA, and I am not sure why you should not, then that is another positive in Walker’s corner. 

Despite the poor batting average, Walker does have a solid approach at the plate with a 13% walk rate and 19% strikeout rate. The former also helps substantially in OBP leagues as his .315 on base percentage looks a lot better than his batting average does. 

Walker’s power is legitimate and can be a real asset and the batting average should come at some point over the next two months. At this point, he has already provided a solid return on your investment and things should only get better. 
 

 

 

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