The Meinert Hops have faced a shortage of starting rotation options all off-season but were able to add some depth in right-hander Taijuan Walker (2FA/$5) from the Alamo Short Stacks. In return, the Hops will send their 4th Round Pick (47th Overall).
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 and now moves to the National League East as a member of the Mets.
Walker made his Spring debut on Tuesday while sitting at 94-95 and flashing a plus split changeup that was a key to his performance in 2020.
Walker is expected to slot into the rotation with right-hander John Means while A.J. Puk continues to work towards a potential Opening Day activation.
The Stacks addition of a 4th Rounder now gives them eight picks inside the Top 56. The club is reportedly comfortable utilizing all of those picks but has at least reached out to test the waters on what a group of those selections could net them through trade before the Draft according to sources.
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