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Mets Showing Interest In Tajiuan Walker

By Steve Adams | February 17, 2021 at 2:32pm CDT

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.

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Comments

  1. Web

    1 week ago

    first

    1 Like
    Reply
    • MasterShake

      1 week ago

      2016 called, Facebook wants this post back.

      2 Like
      Reply
      • Hosmer for HOF

        1 week ago

        2014 called and they want their late night cartoon character back

        5 Like
        Reply
        • miggy4prez

          1 week ago

          2014? Try 2000 ATHF has been around my man

          2 Like
          Reply
        • bucketbrew35

          1 week ago

          I’m still pissed to this day that they canceled Aqua Teen along with Metalocalypse and Venture Bros. Truly tragic.

          Like
          Reply
      • BrittinghamSports

        1 week ago

        I’m guessing this is more of a tactic by the Mets to try and get Jake Odorizzi to lower his asking price. Giving Taijuan Walker a $20+ million contract instead of signing Odorizzi would be a mistake. Taking Walker over Odorizzi in almost any situation would be a mistake. Especially considering the Mets have enough money laying around to make the highest offer of any team to Trevor Bauer. If Walker gets this money from the Mets it would make him the 2nd highest paid starting pitcher this offseason. Only Trevor Bauer will have been guaranteed more money than the $20+ million Walker wants. That would be insane. They should just go out and get Odorizzi. He is clearly a much better pitcher than Walker and the Mets clearly have the money to pay for him.

        2 Like
        Reply
        • joeyrocafella

          1 week ago

          You keep mentioning this “$20M+” figure but this article clearly states that he is looking for $10M+ in AAV. If the Mets can sign him to a 2 year deal for $13M per season than it should be very good depth for the back of the rotation. There is no telling how effective Thor will be when comes back mid-season so giving Walker a short deal for something around $12M-$14M per year isn’t the worst plan.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • Buckner

          1 week ago

          $26 million for Taijuan Walker for two years, for “the back of the rotation”?

          Like
          Reply
        • 1984wasntamanual

          1 week ago

          Pretty sure he meant 20m total

          Like
          Reply
    • Buckner

      1 week ago

      Nowhere in the article did they even mention some guy named Syndergaard, who threw a bullpen session today. Thor will be more a second-half story, limited innings and pitch counts.

      And even then, no guarantees after Tommy John.

      Walker has a lot of potential, but that is a giant price tag he’s seeking.

      I have also noticed that when the reporters circulate a story, it often fizzles out. Not every time this off-season with the Mets, but, often the rumored stories do not pan out as reporters hope for..

      I appreciate how the new ownership is keeping a lid on everything. They don’t have Jeff around anymore to leak rumors to the media. It seems like the Mets have ALWAYS dealt through the media, going all the way back to negotiating with Tom Seaver in 1976-77 (through Dick Young, Daily News).

      ..

      1 Like
      Reply
      • nastitutde

        1 week ago

        I was wondering the same. Seems like Thor should settle in clearly as #4 and is oddly not mentioned…or maybe I’m behind on my Mets news and he has joined the Avengers full time

        Like
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      • EasternLeagueVeteran

        1 week ago

        Buckner, you might have something there, about throwing this out there. But no way would I give Taijuan $20M. If i was Odorizzi’s camp, I’d say bring it on. That would only mean more for me, for He is worth more than. $10m aav.

        Like
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        • Joe Carters walkoff

          1 week ago

          Well if all these reclamation projects ,Paxton etc are getting 10 and 11 million, im pretty confident both Walker and Odirizzi deserve more

          Like
          Reply
  2. Web

    1 week ago

    mets might have to “walk” back their expectations this season

    Like
    Reply
    • curlydub

      1 week ago

      I would like to “walk” off the edge of a cliff after hearing that joke.

      8 Like
      Reply
      • keysox

        1 week ago

        Why? Guy is a 2m guy.
        Go with Bryant and Hendricks for Davis , Allen and Famillia

        Like
        Reply
    • PeteWard8

      1 week ago

      I wish my team would have signed Walker. Three years removed from TJ surgery. Walker primed to go now.

      Like
      Reply
      • alc47

        1 week ago

        Peteward he had tj in February of 2019 I believe, so it’s only been 2 years.

        Like
        Reply
        • PeteWard8

          1 week ago

          alc47- I got him at April of 2018 for tj surgery.

          Like
          Reply
    • MetsFan22

      1 week ago

      I don’t see why the would…

      Like
      Reply
      • Ducky Buckin Fent

        1 week ago

        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?

        Like
        Reply
        • PeteWard8

          1 week ago

          Peterson 6’6″ 240
          Lucchesi 6’4″ 225
          Couple monster left handed arms

          Like
          Reply
        • Flyby

          1 week ago

          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.

          3 Like
          Reply
        • Jeff Wilpon

          1 week ago

          Wilson was the only real target. DJ was nothing serious. The more Yankees fans stay the same…

          Like
          Reply
        • Ducky Buckin Fent

          1 week ago

          If they were trying to “raise the price”
          on LeMahieu they failed spectacularly.

          1 Like
          Reply
        • SalaryCapMyth

          1 week ago

          @Ducky. If only they tried to “raise the price” on Ozuna maybe the Braves could have paid $10-$15 million less! =}

          Like
          Reply
        • stymeedone

          1 week ago

          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.

          Like
          Reply
        • Ducky Buckin Fent

          1 week ago

          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

          1 Like
          Reply
        • EasternLeagueVeteran

          1 week ago

          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!

          Like
          Reply
        • Ducky Buckin Fent

          1 week ago

          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.

          Like
          Reply
        • MrMet1979 2

          1 week ago

          Yankees are actually banking on Kluber and Taillon to replace Tanaka and Paxton.

          Like
          Reply
        • Ducky Buckin Fent

          1 week ago

          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.

          Like
          Reply
        • andremets

          1 week ago

          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.

          Like
          Reply
      • MarlinsFanBase

        1 week ago

        @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!

        1 Like
        Reply
    • SalaryCapMyth

      1 week ago

      You can only expect stupid thoughts from posters who think posting “first” on a comment section is a worthwhile endeavor.

      2 Like
      Reply
  3. FletcherFan69

    1 week ago

    1rd

    Like
    Reply
  4. VonPurpleHayes

    1 week ago

    Save some for the rest of the league please.

    Like
    Reply
  5. Cohn Joppolella

    1 week ago

    Orioles should jump on this.

    Like
    Reply
  6. flyingblindsquirrel

    1 week ago

    GIT’ER DONE!!

    Like
    Reply
  7. texasguscc

    1 week ago

    Steve, Michael Mayer left Metsmerized…

    The money might be a tad high, but the upside is there.

    Like
    Reply
  8. Rangers29

    1 week ago

    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.

    1 Like
    Reply
    • bigdaddyt

      1 week ago

      Think every team would be happy to sign Walker guys got tons of upside.

      Like
      Reply
  9. alc47

    1 week ago

    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.

    Like
    Reply
    • VonPurpleHayes

      1 week ago

      I think that’s way to high for a guy who hasn’t thrown much in years.

      5 Like
      Reply
      • alc47

        1 week ago

        Von I agree but it’s seems like so many different teams are in on him, that might be what it takes.

        Like
        Reply
  10. jim stem

    1 week ago

    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.

    5 Like
    Reply
    • rct

      1 week ago

      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.

      Like
      Reply
      • Buckner

        1 week ago

        Excel Sports Management represents Taijuan Walker AND George Springer, among others.

        Like
        Reply
    • mlb1225

      1 week ago

      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.

      1 Like
      Reply
  11. Digdugler

    1 week ago

    FIRE ATKINS!

    Like
    Reply
  12. Dingus

    1 week ago

    What is the hold up on getting these guys signed? Lets go!

    Like
    Reply
    • YankeesBleacherCreature

      1 week ago

      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.

      Like
      Reply
  13. jim stem

    1 week ago

    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.

    Like
    Reply
    • Digdugler

      1 week ago

      bruv, teams have offered him more than that already. Atkins just gave up “assets” + is paying Matz $5M!

      Like
      Reply
    • rct

      1 week ago

      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.

      Like
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      • jim stem

        1 week ago

        @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.

        Like
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        • rct

          1 week ago

          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.

          Like
          Reply
  14. C-Daddy

    1 week ago

    I’m hoping the Jays bring him back or sign Odorizzi. The rotation as currently constructed leaves a lot to be desired.

    1 Like
    Reply
  15. HBan22

    1 week ago

    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.

    Like
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    • mlb1225

      1 week ago

      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.

      1 Like
      Reply
  16. kripes-brewers

    1 week ago

    $10M + annually??!! Come on now. If he can get it, good for him, but that’s cra-cray.

    2 Like
    Reply
  17. bluejaysorbust

    1 week ago

    Now or never Jays…

    1 Like
    Reply
    • Yank4Life

      1 week ago

      @bluejayorbust- Dunedin needs to sign Odorizzi and Walker just to be a Wild Card team this season.

      Like
      Reply
  18. Dallas Mets

    1 week ago

    His talented,but a walking band aid to say the least.

    Like
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  19. BenjiB24

    1 week ago

    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

    Like
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    • Shoeless Joe

      1 week ago

      How long have you worked for his agent ???

      Like
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    • Yank4Life

      1 week ago

      @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.

      Like
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    • VonPurpleHayes

      1 week ago

      16 for 2 years maybe

      1 Like
      Reply
      • Ma4170

        1 week ago

        Agreed, wouldn’t go more than 2-16

        Like
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    • WillieMaysHayes24

      1 week ago

      Found Tajuans burner account

      5 Like
      Reply
    • YankeesBleacherCreature

      1 week ago

      He’s probably worth what James Paxton signed for. $8M+ with incentives.

      Like
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      • HalosHeavenJJ

        1 week ago

        If given the choice between the two, contracts equal, I’d take Paxton on the one year gamble.

        Like
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        • SalaryCapMyth

          1 week ago

          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?

          Like
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        • BenjiB24

          1 week ago

          Last season

          Like
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    • ryrockak

      1 week ago

      He was going to be a free agent so…

      Like
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    • WereAllJustGuestsHere

      1 week ago

      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.

      Like
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  20. bobtillman

    1 week ago

    Walker should be a Texas Ranger.

    9 Like
    Reply
    • Shoeless Joe

      1 week ago

      That one was worth a real time smile

      Like
      Reply
      • SalaryCapMyth

        1 week ago

        Think Walker can get Jared Padaleki on the Rangers? >=}

        Like
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  21. Yank4Life

    1 week ago

    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?

    1 Like
    Reply
    • bobtillman

      1 week ago

      Bill Debalsio: “Tijiuan, I am your father”……

      Like
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    • Joe It All

      1 week ago

      Damn a Kenny Walker reference.. most people on here probably don’t even know who he is. Well played

      Like
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      • Yank4Life

        1 week ago

        @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.

        Like
        Reply
  22. bobthemetfan

    1 week ago

    Wouldn’t be a bad signing do it

    Like
    Reply
  23. sascoach2003

    1 week ago

    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.

    2 Like
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    • Joe Momma

      1 week ago

      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.

      Like
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      • C-Daddy

        1 week ago

        Agreed – does anyone really enjoy watching “openers” or starters only going 3-4 innings?

        1 Like
        Reply
      • jay13

        1 week ago

        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.

        Like
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  24. Sideline Redwine

    1 week ago

    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.

    Like
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    • mlbnyyfan

      1 week ago

      Why are the Angels ignoring any kind of significant upgrade. The time is now to take the division from the Cheaters.

      Like
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      • VonPurpleHayes

        1 week ago

        I wouldn’t count the remaining FA SPs as a significant upgrade. If healthy, the Angels rotation is underrated albeit not great.

        1 Like
        Reply
  25. RunDMC

    1 week ago

    Never stop looking for $10M annually, Taijuan.

    Like
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  26. boognailz4

    1 week ago

    lets get wild with these last 3
    Walker to Redsox
    Jake to the Fins
    JBJ to A’s

    Like
    Reply
  27. HalosHeavenJJ

    1 week ago

    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.

    Like
    Reply
  28. DCartrow

    1 week ago

    I hear he’s got a drinking problem. Aftet every game he likes to tajiuan on!!

    Like
    Reply
  29. luckybrew

    1 week ago

    I would like to see the Brewer’s sign him to a 3 year contract for around 20 million .

    1 Like
    Reply
  30. jvent

    1 week ago

    $10 mil annually for who Walker ? No way plus multiple years. No way that’s too much

    Like
    Reply
  31. crshbng

    1 week ago

    As a bluejay fan, walker is worth no more than what the jays gave robbie ray, 1yr/8mil tops.

    Like
    Reply
  32. Very Barry

    1 week ago

    Is there any free agent that the Mets are not in on?

    Like
    Reply
    • EasternLeagueVeteran

      1 week ago

      Rick Porcello

      Like
      Reply
  33. padam

    1 week ago

    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.

    Like
    Reply
  34. hoff38

    1 week ago

    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.

    Like
    Reply
  35. Asfan0780

    1 week ago

    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

    Like
    Reply
    • lordd99

      1 week ago

      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.

      Like
      Reply
  36. mp9

    1 week ago

    Twins get it!!!!!

    Like
    Reply
  37. Bill M

    1 week ago

    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

    Like
    Reply
    • lordd99

      1 week ago

      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.

      Like
      Reply
  38. lordd99

    1 week ago

    So I wonder who he’ll sign with?

    Like
    Reply
  39. jdgoat

    1 week ago

    Shouldn’t Cohen be saving his money for his prison commissary?

    Like
    Reply
    • NY_Yankee

      1 week ago

      Important safety advice: “Don’t drop the soap.”

      Like
      Reply
  40. bravesfan

    1 week ago

    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

    Like
    Reply
  41. MarlinsFanBase

    1 week ago

    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.

    2 Like
    Reply
  42. Doodoo Gregarious

    1 week ago

    “Tajiuan” must be Taijuan’s evil twin.

    Like
    Reply
    • MarlinsFanBase

      1 week ago

      They might be related to Taquila from Tijuana.

      1 Like
      Reply
      • NY_Yankee

        1 week ago

        Or Johnny Walker ( which Mets fans might need if they keep getting rejected).

        Like
        Reply
  43. @budselig6969

    1 week ago

    Mets announcing interest means someone else will sign him

    Like
    Reply
    • Cey Hey

      1 week ago

      The Mets have reached out to Walker’s agent but have yet to request dick pics.

      Like
      Reply
  44. flmetfan

    1 week ago

    He’d be the METS seventh or eighth starting pitcher… at 10 million dollars? He’s not a TOR, he’s a BOR.

    Like
    Reply
    • Cey Hey

      1 week ago

      If the Mets have that many SPs who are better than Walker, then why would they need another?

      Like
      Reply
  45. IjustloveBaseball

    1 week ago

    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+.

    Like
    Reply
  46. 1 Goose Man

    1 week ago

    Walker’s ERA in Toronto would’ve even been better had Derek Fisher been not so scared of the ball. (Les Nessman style!)

    1 Like
    Reply
  47. Jal179

    1 week ago

    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.

    Like
    Reply
  48. 1984wasntamanual

    1 week ago

    And this is why we haven’t heard as much about him as some others.

    Like
    Reply
  49. tomg1976

    1 week ago

    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.

    Like
    Reply
    • Bill M

      1 week ago

      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

      Like
      Reply
  50. luckybrew

    7 days ago

    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.

    Like
    Reply

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