The Arizona Diamondbacks sit at 52-49 and tied with Pittsburgh for that final NL Wild Card spot. So here’s the question: do they buy or sell at the deadline?
A strong week could put them in prime position to add pieces for a playoff push. And they’ve got a glaring need at first base that’s been haunting them all season.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller called Arizona’s first base situation a “disaster” – and he’s got a potential solution that makes a lot of sense.
The Walker Reunion
Christian Walker could be heading back to the desert if Houston decides to wave the white flag. The three-time Gold Glove winner spent eight seasons in Arizona before signing with the Astros, and Miller thinks a reunion could happen.
“But it’s possible they will sell, and possible that Arizona will make a push for a reunion with Christian Walker,” Miller wrote about Houston’s situation.
Now, let’s be realistic here. The Astros probably aren’t selling. GM Dana Brown is in the final year of his contract, and owner Jim Crane isn’t known for giving up easily. But if Houston does fall out of contention, Walker becomes an intriguing target.
He’s got 20 home runs this season with a .234/.310/.454 slash line. That might not jump off the page, but for Arizona’s current first base mess? It’d be a massive upgrade.
“Arizona’s first base situation has been a disaster since Ildemaro Vargas started to cool off in early May, to the point where even a .649 OPS from that spot in the lineup would be a considerable upgrade. If Walker heats back up in his old stomping grounds, even better.”
What makes this move even more appealing is Walker’s contract situation. He’s got another year remaining, so the D-Backs would lock up their first base and DH spot through 2025.
The way I see it, Arizona knows Walker’s strengths and limitations. He’s proven he can handle first base defensively – those Gold Gloves don’t lie. And playing in familiar surroundings might help him find his offensive rhythm again.
It all comes down to whether Houston decides they’re really out of it. If they do, expect Arizona to make that call.
