Ranking the Top 3 First Baseman in Diamondbacks History

This ranking boiled down to the battle for third place

In part two of our series ranking the top Diamondbacks at each position we are looking at first base today. You can find a full listing of statistical comparisons for the franchise first basemen at this Stathead link.

#1: Paul Goldschmidt 

1092 G, .297/.398/.532, 209 HR, 124 SB, 145 OPS+, 39.9 WAR, 32.0 WPA

Future Hall of Famer Paul Goldschmidt is not only the greatest first baseman in franchise history, he's the greatest position player overall. The unheralded 8th round draft pick from Texas State University in 2009 exceeded expectations with a combination of talent, determination, intelligence and a second to none work ethic. 

From the moment he arrived in 2011 he was an impact player, making six All-Star teams, and finished in the Top 3 of the MVP race three times (2013, 2015, 2017). A quiet leader who preferred to lead by example, Goldschmidt has been the epitome of class throughout his career.  Recently General Manager Mike Hazen conceded it was a mistake to trade Goldschmidt following the 2018 season as the franchise player approached free agency.

#2: Christian Walker 

689 G, .251/.330/.464, 120 HR, 23 SB, 113 OPS+, 12.8 WAR, 3.8 WPA

Being the guy that follows THE GUY is never easy. Walker has performed admirably despite the impossible task of following in Goldschmidt's footsteps. While it would not be fair to compare or expect him to match the Hall of Fame credentials of his predecessor, Walker has become a mainstay of the team both on the field and in the clubhouse. 

Walker put up two solid seasons in 2019 and 2020, but then oblique injuries wrecked his 2021 campaign. He bounced back in a big way however, winning back-to-back Gold Glove awards the last two years while smacking 69 homers and driving in 197 runs. 

#3: Erubiel Durazzo 

287 G, .278/.390/.528, 47 HR, 128 OPS+, 4.3 WAR, 6.2 WPA

Durazzo was signed out of Mexico when he was 24 years old in late 1998. After posting video game numbers 94 minor league games in AA and AAA, (.404 B.A., 1.193 OPS, 24 homers) he was called up late July 1999.  His impact was immediate, as he hit .329/.422/.594,  153 OPS+  with 11 homers in 52 games.

Over the next three seasons the left-handed Durazzo would play in a part time role. While his batting average never rose to the levels of his rookie season he continued to hit with power and draw walks, posting a .261/.381/.511 line with 36 homers and 199 RBI in 716 plate appearance between 2000-2002.  He did most of his damage in high leverage situations, as can be seen by his 6.2 WPA.  He was never able to break out of his part time role with the team as injury and difficulty with left hand pitching limited his playing time. 

Honorable Mention:  Mark Grace  

In many ways it doesn't feel right to not have Grace in the top three. His 2001 was a solid, if unspectacular year, providing steady contact hitting and excellent defense at first base. His clubhouse presence and personality, and later on-air work for the club made him a fan favorite.  Statistically he lagged behind Durazzo however, batting just .268/.359/.416, with a 94 OPS+ (6% below league average) to go with just 2.2 WAR.  His numbers were hurt by steep drop off after 2001 as he quickly declined.

Ranking the Top 3 Catchers in Diamondbacks History