Career Timeline of Christian Walker: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Christian Walker built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Christian Walker is a professional baseball first baseman currently playing for the Houston Astros in MLB. Previously, he played for the Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks. He is renowned for his exceptional defensive skills, earning him three Gold Glove Awards. Walker is considered one of the top defensive first basemen in Major League Baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Drafted by the Dodgers

In 2009, Christian Walker was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 49th round of the Major League Baseball draft, but he did not sign.

2012: Drafted by the Orioles

In 2012, Christian Walker was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball draft and debuted for the Aberdeen IronBirds.

2013: Promotion to Double-A

In 2013, Christian Walker started with the Delmarva Shorebirds, was promoted to the Frederick Keys in May, played in the All-Star Futures Game in July, and was promoted to the Double-A Bowie Baysox after the game.

September 17, 2014: Called up to the Orioles and MLB Debut

On September 17, 2014, Christian Walker was called up to the Orioles and made his major league debut, hitting a double off J. A. Happ for his first major league hit.

2014: Started with Bowie Baysox

Christian Walker started 2014 back with Bowie Baysox.

2014: MLB Debut with Orioles

In 2014, Christian Walker made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles.

2015: Played for the Orioles

In 2015, Christian Walker played in 7 games for the Orioles, going 1-for-9 with 3 walks.

2016: Played with Norfolk Tides

In 2016, Christian Walker did not appear for the Orioles, instead spending the year with the Triple-A Norfolk Tides.

February 21, 2017: Designated for assignment by Orioles

On February 21, 2017, Christian Walker was designated for assignment by the Orioles following the acquisition of Richard Bleier.

March 6, 2017: Claimed off waivers by Reds

On March 6, 2017, Christian Walker was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.

March 28, 2017: Waived by the Reds and Claimed by Diamondbacks

On March 28, 2017, Christian Walker was waived by the Reds and claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2017: Claimed off waivers by Diamondbacks

In 2017, Christian Walker was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2018: Became Regular First Baseman

Following the 2018 season, Christian Walker became the Diamondbacks' regular first baseman after Paul Goldschmidt was traded.

2018: Played for Arizona

In 2018, Christian Walker played in 37 games for Arizona, hitting .163/.226/.388 with three home runs, six RBI, and one stolen base.

2019: Career Highs for Diamondbacks

In 2019, Christian Walker made 152 appearances for the Diamondbacks, batting .259/.348/.476 with career-highs in home runs (29) and RBI (73).

2020: Played for Diamondbacks

During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Christian Walker played in 57 of 60 possible games and slashed .271/.333/.459 with seven home runs and 34 RBI for the Diamondbacks.

2021: Played for Arizona

In 2021, Christian Walker made 115 appearances for Arizona, batting .244/.315/.382 with 10 home runs and 46 RBI.

2022: Career-High and Gold Glove Award

In 2022, Christian Walker played in 160 games and hit a career-high 36 home runs with 94 RBI. Following the season, he won his first career Gold Glove Award.

January 13, 2023: Contract Agreement with Diamondbacks

On January 13, 2023, Christian Walker agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million contract with the Diamondbacks, avoiding salary arbitration.

December 23, 2024: Signed with Houston Astros

On December 23, 2024, Christian Walker signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Houston Astros.

2024: Signed with the Astros

After becoming a free agent following the 2024 season, Christian Walker signed a three-year deal with the Houston Astros.

2024: Gold Glove Award

In 2024, Christian Walker played in 130 games for the Diamondbacks, batting .251/.335/.468 with 26 home runs and 84 RBI. He won the Gold Glove Award for the third straight year.