The Arizona Diamondbacks narrowly missed the postseason after their surprise run to the World Series in 2023. They finished 89-73 and were eliminated by virtue of head-to-head tiebreakers.
One of their key pieces, slugger Christian Walker, is expected to hit the open market and become a free agent at the end of the season.
However, Zach Pressnell of FanSided predicted that the veteran slugger would ultimately return to Arizona.
"The Arizona Diamondbacks need to re-sign Christian Walker. This has to be their top priority because first basemen like him don't just grow on trees," Pressnell wrote. "Out of all the first base needy teams in the league, I predict that Walker will re-sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason."
The 33-year-old slugger had a strong season with Arizona, hitting .251 with 26 home runs, 84 RBI, and an .803 OPS.
He shouldn't be too expensive for Arizona this offseason and should ultimately be right within their preferred price range. Despite missing the postseason in 2024, the future is bright for Arizona.
They should be a team that competes for a spot in the postseason in 2025. But keeping Walker will be important as they try to bounce back from this year's disappointment.
He played a key role in the team reaching the World Series last October, and losing him would certainly hurt. His market will certainly be interesting to follow.
We'll see if Arizona is able to keep him around.
More MLB: Dodgers likely to lose key slugger this offseason
