The Mets have circled back around to free-agent right-hander Taijuan Walker and engaged his camp in “extensive” discussions, SNY’s Andy Martino reports. Walker is the club’s top target over righty Jake Odorizzi at the moment, per the report. Metsmerized’s Michael Mayer connected the two sides this week as well, adding that the righty has been looking for a multi-year deal worth $10MM+ annually.
Still just 28 years old, Walker is one of the youngest free agents on the market but has yet to find a multi-year offer to his liking. The former top prospect missed the vast majority of the 2018-19 seasons due to injuries — most notably Tommy John surgery — but returned to his original organization, the Mariners, on a one-year deal last offseason. Walker tossed 27 solid frames for the Mariners before being traded to the Blue Jays and continuing to throw well. On the whole, he turned in 53 1/3 innings with an appealing 2.70 ERA.
That said, the numbers beyond his ERA don’t look quite as rosy. Walker benefited from a .243 average on balls in play and a slightly elevated 78.5 percent strand rate. His 22.2 percent strikeout rate was a it worse than league average, as was his 39.1 percent ground-ball rate. The righty’s 93.5 mph average heater was down from its 95.1 mph peak, and his swinging-strike rate was among the lowest in the league (13th percentile, per Statcast). Fielding-independent marks like SIERA (4.60) and Statcast’s xERA (4.87) aren’t as bullish on Walker as his bottom-line ERA.
Coupled with some durability concerns stemming from his 2018-19 absence, it’s understandable that clubs might not be sold on giving Walker a lucrative multi-year deal based on 11 starts (during which he averaged fewer than five frames per outing). To Walker’s credit, he was at one point one of the game’s premier pitching prospects and is younger than virtually all of his peers on the open market, thus arguably giving him more upside than said peers.
The Mets wouldn’t need Walker to be much more than a fourth starter for them, though, and we’ve seen fourth starters get paid eight-figure salaries on multi-year deals frequently in the past. New York currently has a solid but top-heavy rotation mix at present, with two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom again set to lead the charge. He’ll be followed by Carlos Carrasco and Marcus Stroman, with former first-rounder David Peterson currently in line for the fourth starter’s gig after an impressive rookie campaign.
Beyond that quartet, the Mets have trade acquisitions Joey Lucchesi, Jordan Yamamoto and Sean Reid-Foley on the 40-man roster, as well as offseason signee Sam McWilliams. Their depth is unequivocally better than in 2020 — the Mets also have Mike Montgomery and Jerad Eickhoff in camp on non-roster deals — but there’s still some uncertainty after the top three names. Walker comes with his own question marks, but he’s also had more success at the MLB level than any of the options the Mets currently have for the back of the rotation. In 581 2/3 innings dating back to 2013, Walker has a 3.84 ERA.
From a financial vantage point, adding Walker surely wouldn’t put the Mets in any danger of surpassing the luxury threshold. They’re currently at $187.7MM in luxury obligations at the moment, per Roster Resource’s Jason Martinez, so any deal with Walker would likely leave them eight figures of breathing room with regard to the tax barrier.
mets might have to “walk” back their expectations this season
I would like to “walk” off the edge of a cliff after hearing that joke.
Why? Guy is a 2m guy.
Go with Bryant and Hendricks for Davis , Allen and Famillia
I wish my team would have signed Walker. Three years removed from TJ surgery. Walker primed to go now.
Peteward he had tj in February of 2019 I believe, so it’s only been 2 years.
alc47- I got him at April of 2018 for tj surgery.
I don’t see why the would…
Man, I wish the Yankees would get in on Walker. First DJ then Justin Wilson…
It would be so funny to steal three of their targets in one off-season. Wouldn’t it?
Imagine all that crowing & boasting & when it comes down to it they still can’t land anyone the Yanks want. The more things change, right?
Peterson 6’6″ 240
Lucchesi 6’4″ 225
Couple monster left handed arms
did you really steal dj. Everybody and their mother knew that DJ was going back to the yankees and was using others to raise the price or hurry the yanks up. Just like everyone knows Gardner will be back with the yankees as well.
Wilson was the only real target. DJ was nothing serious. The more Yankees fans stay the same…
If they were trying to “raise the price”
on LeMahieu they failed spectacularly.
@Ducky. If only they tried to “raise the price” on Ozuna maybe the Braves could have paid $10-$15 million less! =}
That the Yankees paid more than any other team was willing to spend for a player, doesn’t make them better, just richer, or more optimistic on that player. Over bidding for a player is what every team does when it signs a free agent. That is why so many FA deals don’t work out.
Lol
‘zactly.
mets have had a decent off-season. They definitely look better.
Two things however:
– they haven’t dominated the free agent market like their fans were all telling us they would
– they’re still not the best team in either their division or their city
The talk of the Mets may have been meant to drive the DJ price up,for i think DJ wanted to stay a Yankee. at least got the Yankees off their fat butts to so something. Wilson might have been on their radar, but his presence in the Yankees bullpen merely replaces Ottavino, not making their pen any better. Darren ODay in the pen aside, the Yankees are banking on Severino and German and maybe Garcia to replace Tanaka and Paxton. I will tip my hat to the Yankees front office and scouts if they perform up to their potential, but it is not as certain as it used to be. Let the pitchers and catchers begin!
I have it as:
O’Day replaces Ottavino. Wilson replaces Kahnle. So yeah. I’m with you. No real net improvement.
You’re right. Yanks hoping for more to go right than they normally do. I like the players they’ve added & where they fit. Absolutely no complaints there.
But the pen (even taking into account that they’ve the highest projected bullpen fwar according to Fangraphs) still seems not quite as deep as the pens of the 17-19 clubs.
Still think they may add another relief arm. They could fit one more small add & still have some room for the deadline.
So this may be a moot point.
The lineup has been a real strength of this core as well. Cash chose to run it back (should still be a top 2-3 offense as usual) & tinker on the margins. Was always going to be tough to squeeze another bat in anywhere. Yanks basically set – & then some – everywhere.
I prefer Kluber to Paxton. & I much prefer Taillon to Happ. But Tanaka’s departure was never addressed. To me this is the major issue that remains the elephant in the room.
Yanks still a very good team.
They just seem to be a little incomplete to me right now. Still some time & a little room to make an addition. So we might even get a little better before opening day. But Yanks took a bit of a step back.
Yankees are actually banking on Kluber and Taillon to replace Tanaka and Paxton.
Yeah, that’s the company line.
Not exactly how I see it.
But that’s just shuffling things around anyway. If it’s that, then Happ was never replaced. Either way, we’re down a starter.
I think Severino and D.German will have to replace Tanaka. An Ordozzi would add way more depth and innings but I think the Yanks are out of Cash unless they pull another Ottovino-like trade.
@MetsFan22
So, how’d all those signed players you placed on the Mets roster based on your expectations go?
Are the Mets still a 95 or 102-win team? How many wins are they going to have this season now that your expectations didn’t happen? i saw you post 102 wins on another board. Does that still stand?
And most importantly for me, how many games out of 4th place are the Marlins finishing this year?
I love your predictions!
You can only expect stupid thoughts from posters who think posting “first” on a comment section is a worthwhile endeavor.
1rd
Save some for the rest of the league please.
Orioles should jump on this.
GIT’ER DONE!!
Steve, Michael Mayer left Metsmerized…
The money might be a tad high, but the upside is there.
Save some for the rest of the league Mets!
I really, really want the Rangers to sign Walker, but I doubt it happens now. It’d be a good move by the Mets.
Think every team would be happy to sign Walker guys got tons of upside.
He’s shown he can be a competent 3-4 starter so I actually really like this move, not a terrible fall back. But at anything more than 2 years I would be wary. 2 years 20-24 million with a 3rd year option and some incentives in the deal might just work.
I think that’s way to high for a guy who hasn’t thrown much in years.
Von I agree but it’s seems like so many different teams are in on him, that might be what it takes.
His camp can ask for whatever they want. The bottom line is he’s thrown 60 innings in 3 years and wasn’t much more than a #4 starter prior. He’s never tossed more than 170 innings in a season and his fastball tops out at high school speed.
Hard line offer at 1 year with an option for 5 million or 2/8.5 with incentives. He’s proven nothing since 2017 when he was a prospect at 25, but is worth a flier at the right price at 28. Hard to expect more than 150 innings and only twice through the lineup. That’s a #5 and should be paid accordingly.
If he’s still asking for multiple years at $10 million plus, he’s probably already received multiple offers that top one year and $5 million. Either that or his agent is incompetent, take your pick. Pretty sure it’s the former.
Excel Sports Management represents Taijuan Walker AND George Springer, among others.
I think he’s been one of the most underrated free agents this off season for all the reasons you just said. Not only has he been unhealthy, but you look at the undelying numbers, he’s not that good. Not a bad low-risk candidate, but definitley not a reliable starter. I wouldn’t go more than guarenteed 1 year/$8 million. Maybe with an option for a second year.
FIRE ATKINS!
What is the hold up on getting these guys signed? Lets go!
Probably has something to do with money or his desire on road games for a hotel suite with silk bedding and monogrammed Egyptian cotton robes. I bet it’s more the former.
Offer a take it or leave it, 3 million for one year with a major league invite. He can be the ace at AAA until a 6th starter is needed. Nothing wrong with competition in spring training, and things can change quickly. Sign and trade is also an option.
bruv, teams have offered him more than that already. Atkins just gave up “assets” + is paying Matz $5M!
Two seconds ago, you said one year, $5 million or 2/$8.5 million. Now it’s a one year minor league deal with a major league invite for $3 million, take it or leave it.
Your offers would be summarily rejected by Walker and he’d likely cease negotiations and never take any more of your calls.
@rct. Yes sir, you are correct. They can block low ball offer calls if they have higher already offered. Spring training games start in 11 days. It’s a shell game and bluffing is part of the process. What really are the odds that a soon to be 29 year old pitcher who never tossed more than 170 innings in his early 20’s, bounces back after TJS to be better following 60 innings over 3 years, throwing 93 mph? Too risky for a team to offer 5 million AAV for more than 1 year. But you know someone will. And that team will probably be wondering why they did it. The guy only made 28 starts and averaged 5.6 innings per when he was healthy.
I guarantee you someone already has offered a better deal than 1 year, $5 million. It’s mid-February and he’s still asking for multiple years at $10+ million.
Practically every team in baseball would snap him up at 1 year and $5 million.
For reference, last year the Mets signed Michael Wacha to a 1 year, $3 million deal. He’s also often injured but when they’re both healthy, Walker is much better.
Wacha was awful in 2020, yet he just signed another 1 year, $3 million deal, with the Rays. Your negotiation tactic of offering 1 year and $3 million with a major league invite would likely insult Walker to the point of ceasing negotiations with you permanently.
Also for reference, Rick Porcello got 1 year and $10 million from the Mets last year and while he is steady and reliable, he’s also much worse than Walker and was downright awful the year prior for Boston in 2019.
Realistically, a one year deal with Walker will probably be $8-10 million.
I’m hoping the Jays bring him back or sign Odorizzi. The rotation as currently constructed leaves a lot to be desired.
Does anybody know where Walker’s velocity was at the end of last season? I remember reading something last year about his velocity being down compared to his pre-TJS velocity, and that was part of the reason the Diamondbacks non-tendered him. But then he went out and had quite a solid 2020 season, so clearly it must not be too big of an issue.
His fastball ended up around 93.5 MPH in his last few games of the year. He gained about .5 MPH compared from his first game of the year compared to the end ofthe season.
$10M + annually??!! Come on now. If he can get it, good for him, but that’s cra-cray.
Now or never Jays…
@bluejayorbust- Dunedin needs to sign Odorizzi and Walker just to be a Wild Card team this season.
His talented,but a walking band aid to say the least.
To me Taijuan Walker is worth 16-18 million per year. He’s second ace material and I believe he’s a good bet to be one of the better pitchers over the next 5 years or so. Dipoto was a fool for trading him
How long have you worked for his agent ???
@BenjiB24- $16-18 million a year, seriously? He’s lucky if he gets $8 million a year. If he gets $16-18 million a year he should give half of that money to you. And he should have to walk to Citi Field.
16 for 2 years maybe
Agreed, wouldn’t go more than 2-16
Found Tajuans burner account
He’s probably worth what James Paxton signed for. $8M+ with incentives.
If given the choice between the two, contracts equal, I’d take Paxton on the one year gamble.
What in the world gives you that impression of Walker?!?! I’m a little intrigued to see if he can live up to some of his prospect hype, but can you point to anything tangible as evidence to back up your claim?
Last season
He was going to be a free agent so…
It’s probably just you. No chance he’s worth that much considering the number of innings and appearances Walker has made since 2017. Can’t trust his durability.
Walker should be a Texas Ranger.
That one was worth a real time smile
Think Walker can get Jared Padaleki on the Rangers? >=}
It seems that the Mets are interested in all the free agents out there this Winter. Let’s see if he actually signs. Maybe he can be New York’s New Sky Walker?
Bill Debalsio: “Tijiuan, I am your father”……
Damn a Kenny Walker reference.. most people on here probably don’t even know who he is. Well played
@Joe It All- lol… Just don’t think this Walker could jump, fly, and dunk like “Mr. Kenny Sky Walker” Nobody would even know on this site, that the former Knickerbocker ever won a dunking contest.
Wouldn’t be a bad signing do it
Walker is the kind of guy who I would like to see a team with a great pitching director, coach, etc, and turn him into a “pitcher “, not just a “thrower “. I see it too often today as a 35+ year baseball coach, every kid wants to throw as hard and fast as they can. I try and find kids that can hit corners, work in and out, and up and down, change speeds, pitch to contact when the need arises, and not just throw. After TJS, Walker just strikes me as a guy that can still be taught this. Otherwise, I see the day fast approaching where “starters” will be passe, and, with it, their earning power. Rays model of “opener” will next be replaced by a “rotation ” of 12 guys, working in 3-4 tandems, throwing as hard as they can for an inning or two…okay, old man rant over LOL.
After to listening Kershaw contemplate his future I began to wonder if we are witnessing the last group of true starting pitchers die out as starting pitching becomes extinct. After the likes of Degrom, Scherzer, Kershaw and company retire there isn’t anyone to take their places and pitching philosophy as a whole has radically changed to the point we may never see the position resemble what it was ever again.
It’s a shame too bc all these radical changes really just came down the economics of the cost of pitching. The game is in no way better, performance or entertainment wise, without big personalities who find different ways to get outs taking the ball every 5th day.
Agreed – does anyone really enjoy watching “openers” or starters only going 3-4 innings?
Shane Bieber, Walker Buehler and Luis Castillo are some names that have track records.
MacKenzie Gore, Matt Manning, Sixto Sanchez, Casey Mize and Brady Singer are all up and comers. Detroit fans have 2 great ones.
I think starting pitching will be fine. The biggest thing that could hinder starters is how a manager goes about the game with them.
Was hoping the Rays would sign him…a bit late now I suppose. Feeling good about who we picked up, and we have solid depth in AAA, but still…can’t help but think this guy is going to break out this year.
Why are the Angels ignoring any kind of significant upgrade. The time is now to take the division from the Cheaters.
I wouldn’t count the remaining FA SPs as a significant upgrade. If healthy, the Angels rotation is underrated albeit not great.
Never stop looking for $10M annually, Taijuan.
lets get wild with these last 3
Walker to Redsox
Jake to the Fins
JBJ to A’s
I remember seeing Walker out at Spring Training when he was a prospect. He looked like he was going to be great. Big, strong guy. The ball just flew out of his hand.
Injuries and inconsistency definitely took his career in a different direction than I envisioned back then.
I hear he’s got a drinking problem. Aftet every game he likes to tajiuan on!!
I would like to see the Brewer’s sign him to a 3 year contract for around 20 million .
$10 mil annually for who Walker ? No way plus multiple years. No way that’s too much
As a bluejay fan, walker is worth no more than what the jays gave robbie ray, 1yr/8mil tops.
Is there any free agent that the Mets are not in on?
Rick Porcello
1@10M. Anything more than that I’d pass. Mets shouldn’t tie up any money beyond one year for him, and have decisions to make on Thor and Stroman regarding the rotation after this year.
Never have enough pitching, but at this price I would pass. A team like the Twins, Angels or Red Sox need him much more than the Mets. Still $10m is a bit much for his recent track record.
How about a combo deal of Matt Chapman and Sean manaea to Mets. Chapman fills their 3b need. And they get 2 yrs of control in manaea. Who’s a lot like walker with top prospect pedigree. Solid but with similar spotty injury history. Boras is both their agents so their time in Oakland is likely not much longer. Chapman is a free agent after 2023
Three years of Chapman will cost quite a bit in players. The A’s don’t really deal for prospects. They want MLB ready players. Really not sure what the Mets could offer considering how valuable Chapman is, not to mention including a starting pitcher.
Twins get it!!!!!
I thought Walker would make a good #4 starter for the Mets right from the start of the FA season but I had no idea of his asking price. No wonder he’s still available. But since they have the buck buck bucks, why not? Their rotation is currently pretty week at the back end
I don’t think his $10M ask price is overboard if it’s a one year deal, but I don’t see a team committing to a multi-year deal based in his injury history.
So I wonder who he’ll sign with?
Shouldn’t Cohen be saving his money for his prison commissary?
Important safety advice: “Don’t drop the soap.”
Wouldn’t be brutal for the Braves if Walker goes to the Mets. I think he’s overrated much like the article kinda proves, but he would be a solid addition nonetheless and that would make the Mets a little better which is brutal at the moment
Okay, so MLBTR changed some of the wording now. It’s no longer the regular “Mets Interested in [player name]” template. It’s now “Mets Showing Interest In [player name]” template that must be the new thing for variety.
“Tajiuan” must be Taijuan’s evil twin.
They might be related to Taquila from Tijuana.
Or Johnny Walker ( which Mets fans might need if they keep getting rejected).
Mets announcing interest means someone else will sign him
The Mets have reached out to Walker’s agent but have yet to request dick pics.
He’d be the METS seventh or eighth starting pitcher… at 10 million dollars? He’s not a TOR, he’s a BOR.
If the Mets have that many SPs who are better than Walker, then why would they need another?
I’m not saying Taijuan Walker’s going to be an ace, but 10+million/yr over a multi-year pact wouldn’t surprise me. He’s still tabbed with the “upside” label and is only entering his age-28 season. Additionally, it seemed as though he was on the verge of figuring it out before undergoing Tommy John.
An Interesting comp — Walker entering his age-28 season — 3.84 ERA and 108 ERA+/ Scherzer entering his same-age season — 3.88 ERA and 110 ERA+.
Walker’s ERA in Toronto would’ve even been better had Derek Fisher been not so scared of the ball. (Les Nessman style!)
If I’m the Jays, I’m offering 2/17 with a club option for year 3 with a 1 million buy out.
We need someone ASAP. I’m still pissed they didn’t offer Paxton anything.
And this is why we haven’t heard as much about him as some others.
The Mets also get Syndergaard back at some point this year. I’ve read June, but he’s also supposedly looked good in camp so far. He is coming off of Tommy John surgery, so obviously there are question marks.
Problem is, when you have names like Joey Lucchesi, Jordan Yamamoto, Sean Reid-Foley, Sam McWilliams, Mike Montgomery and Jerad Eickhoff starting every 5th day until Noah comes back, you’re gonna have a lot more games in the L column
I am hoping the Brewer’s will still sign Walker to a 3 or 4 year contract he would be a great addition. With Woodruff, Burnes, and Walker that would be a pretty good fit for a 3 or 5 game series. If you can’t get him take a shot at Odorizzi.