Mets Rumors: Taijuan Walker has now become the primary target

With pitchers and catchers reporting to Port St. Lucie on Wednesday, it didn’t stop the New York Mets rumors from flying around the web as the front office seems to be zeroing in on starting pitcher Taijuan Walker.

According to SNY Reporter Andy Martino, “Taijuan Walker has emerged as the Mets top target.” While there is no current agreement in place, Martino notes that both parties have been engaged in “extensive discussions.”

The 28-year old Walker would fill a need for the Mets who have been scouring the market for another starting pitcher to add to their starting rotation following the Trevor Bauer saga. Walker had himself a prominent season in 2020, as he pitched to a 2.70 ERA over 11 starts with a great 1.163 WHIP between both the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays.

The latest Mets rumors suggest the front office is showing significant interest in signing starting pitcher Taijuan Walker.

What is all the more impressive about Walker’s 2020 campaign was the fact it was Walker’s first “full” season pitching since coming off of reconstructive Tommy John surgery in 2018. While Walker has only made over 25 starts three times since 2015, it’s a fair argument that we have not seen the best version of Taijuan Walker to this point.

There is still plenty of upside that remains in Walker’s right arm that leaves him as one of the more intriguing options available on the free-agent market, by his career 3.84 ERA over his eight seasons in the big leagues.

Martino also mentions in his column, that should a deal not fall into place between the Mets and Walker, the front office may move on to left-handed starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi on a potential one-year deal.

The Mets have been more engaged with Odorizzi and his camp for most of the offseason in comparison to Walker, which makes the latest development all the more stunning should the Mets move forward with the latter option.

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It seems one way or another the front office has now focused its attention on their plans for adding another starting pitcher to the staff according to these latest Mets rumors. I would anticipate a move being made rather soon with pitchers now in camp, as well as both free-agent pitchers looking to find a home within the next few days.