Blue Jays Bolster Bullpen with Josh Walker Signing

The Toronto Blue Jays have added depth to their bullpen by signing left-handed pitcher Josh Walker to a one-year contract, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. The deal is worth the league minimum of $760K.

Walker’s MLB Experience

Walker, 30, brings a modicum of major league experience to the Blue Jays. Over the past two seasons with the New York Mets, he pitched 22 1/3 innings, posting a 6.45 ERA. While he displayed a strong strikeout ability (22.7%), he also struggled with control (11.7% walk rate). He was designated for assignment by the Mets in July and later released by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Minor League Prowess

Despite his MLB struggles, Walker has consistently showcased dominant strikeout potential in the minors. Over the past three seasons, he has thrown 89 innings at the minor league level with a 3.54 ERA. While his walk rate remains high at 12.7%, he has racked up an impressive 33.7% strikeout rate.

Rebuilding the Blue Jays bullpen

The Blue Jays bullpen was a significant weakness in 2023, sporting a 4.82 ERA, the worst in the league apart from the Colorado Rockies. Alongside existing relievers Brendon Little, Brandon Eisert, and Easton Lucas, Walker adds another left-handed pitching option to the mix.

Since the end of the season, Génesis Cabrera and Jordan Romano have departed, while Yimi García was re-acquired from the Seattle Mariners and Nick Sandlin came over in the Andrés Giménez trade.

Long-Term Potential for Walker

Walker’s low service time allows the Blue Jays to retain him at a minimum cost for years to come should he solidify his place in the bullpen. The team may utilize a tandem approach with Walker and the other young relievers, shuttling them between the majors and Triple-A throughout the season.

More to come.