Blue Jays sign former New York Mets relief pitcher
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed former New York Mets relief pitcher Josh Walker to a major league contract for $760 000.
Blue Jays insider Ben Nicholson-Smith first reported the deal.
Pitcher Hagen Danner was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
Because Walker was singed to a major league contract, the Blue Jays needed to make space on the 40 man roster. DFA'ing Danner opens up a spot.
Walker appeared in 10 games for the New York Mets last season, striking out 11 in 12.1 innings on route to a 5.11 ERA.
Walker isn't necessarily overpowering, having a fastball that tops out at 93.6 mph. But he has an elite extension rate, but also a high walk ratio (4.8BB/9) over the course of his 24 game career.
The move is another low-risk, high-potential signing for the Blue Jays.
Although Walker was signed to a major league deal, he still has a minor league option remaining, so it is possible that he will start the season in the minor leagues.
The decision to DFA Danner was a difficult one, considering he was just given an extra option year.
Danner, who pitched well in Triple-A Buffalo last year, left his major league debut after just one batter with an oblique injury.
With the Bisons last year Danner went 3-0 with a 3.15 ERA in 33 games.
If no one takes a flyer on Danner, It is still possible that he ends in up the minors for the Blue Jays this season.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 20 | 195 ANSWERS Blue Jays sign former New York Mets relief pitcher Was this a good depth signing? | ||
| Yes | 108 | 55.4 % |
| No | 87 | 44.6 % |
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