Christian Walker climbed through the minor leagues with a defensive reputation. It was not flattering.
“More competent than an asset,” according to one Baseball America report. Another said his defense at first base “needs work.” The publication’s most recent report on him, published in 2018, described him as “fringe-average” at the position.
And so it is easy to imagine how Walker felt when he got word after last season that he had been named a National League Gold Glove finalist.
“It’s definitely some validation, but, most importantly, motivation,” Walker said. “We had just finished the season and all I was thinking about was defensive drills and how I can use this as a springboard and grow off of it.