Mariners Make Final Decision On Taijuan Walker
The Mariners made a final decision on Taijuan Walker this week. Seattle badly wants to reunite with their former top prospect, it would appear.
According to the Seattle Times, the organization has expressed interest in retaining Walker on a one-year deal that would lock him into the fifth spot of their rotation.
The Mariners’ offer, per MLB insider Ryan Divish, is not the only one Walker has been presented with. He reportedly has deals on the table from several other teams – so it will be a seller’s market for him.
The 27-year-old has also been linked to the Chicago Cubs, although it is unclear how intense the interest is there between he two parties.
Seattle drafted Walker back in 2010 with the No. 41 overall pick. Although he never quite lived up to the expectations many had for him, he was still always a decently solid pro.
In 2016, the Mariners traded him to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Walker ended up tearing his UCL in his pitching elbow two years later and was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery.
That’s Taijuan Walker meeting Cubs brass before they watch him throw. No deal in place or anything. Former first round pick of Seattle who’s battled injuries. https://t.co/x6f34yvasp pic.twitter.com/LYtI70ZqXP
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) February 10, 2020
Over the last two years, as a result of his injury and subsequent recovery, Walker played in just four outings.
If Walker does ultimately end up back with the Mariners, it will be interesting to see how much he can truly bring to the table at this stage of his career.
Related: Red Sox Get Very Honest About Mookie Betts Trade
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
