Josh Walker DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed left-handed pitcher Josh Walker to a one-year contract worth $760,000. In a corresponding move the Blue Jays released right-handed pitcher Hagen Danner. Walker has spent his entire professional career with the New York Mets after being selected in the 2017 MLB Draft out of New Haven. Across 22 1/3 major league innings of relief, the southpaw has held a 6.45 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP. He struck out 23 batters and allowed 12 free passes. In 37 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level last summer, he posted a 4.06 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Walker to have a low-leverage role in the Toronto bullpen if he is able to earn a spot on the Opening Day Roster.

New York Mets relief pitcher Josh Walker is being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Walker was recently DFA'd by the Mets last week. Through 12 innings of relief this season, Walker struggled in Queens with a 5.11 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and a 6:11 BB:K ratio. However, at Triple-A, he posted a solid 2.83 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and a 21:39 BB:K ratio with five saves across 28 innings. Walker will likely serve as a low-leverage option out of the Pittsburgh bullpen and could have the opportunity to earn occasional holds if he can perform in the big leagues.