The Pirates are buying left-hander Josh Walker from the Mets, in line with Robert Murray of FanSided on X. The Mets designated the lefty for project final week. The Bucs have an open 40-man spot and received’t have to make a corresponding transfer. There haven’t been any experiences about what the Mets are receiving in return, so it could simply be a money deal or waiver declare.
Walker, 29, spent simply over a 12 months on the Mets’ 40-man roster. He was chosen in Might of 2023 and spent more often than not till his DFA on optionally available project. Up to now, he has 22 1/3 main league innings on his ledger, having allowed 6.45 earned runs per 9. He has a 22.3% strikeout price, 11.7% stroll price and 36.8% floor ball price up to now.
As if usually the case, the minor league work has been extra spectacular. Between final 12 months and this 12 months, he has a 2.33 ERA in 58 innings on the Triple-A stage. His 13.8% stroll price there’s definitely excessive however he’s additionally punched out 32.1% of batters confronted.
The lefty can nonetheless be optioned for the remainder of this 12 months and one extra season, so the Bucs are bolstering their left-handed reduction depth. They at present have Aroldis Chapman and Jalen Beeks as their southpaws within the large league bullpen however each are impending free brokers. As is Ryan Borucki, who’s on the injured listing. Walker has lower than a 12 months of service time and could possibly be a long-term piece if he hangs onto his roster spot.
