Blue Jays Sign Free Agent Southpaw Pitcher

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed left-handed reliever Josh Walker to a one-year, $760,000 contract, adding another arm to their bullpen as they retool for the 2025 season.

Walker, a 30-year-old native of Otisville, NY, split his 2024 season between the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates.

He pitched in 10 MLB games, posting a 5.11 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 12.1 innings. At the Triple-A level, Walker showed his ability to miss bats with 50 strikeouts in 37.2 innings while recording a 4.06 ERA, making him an intriguing option for Toronto’s bullpen overhaul.

OFFICIAL: We've signed LHP Josh Walker to a one-year contract. Welcome to the #BlueJays!

Additionally, RHP Hagen Danner has been designated for assignment. pic.twitter.com/TL1OjcOMb3
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) December 20, 2024

Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 225 pounds, Walker brings physical presence and potential to a Blue Jays relief corps that struggled in 2024, finishing with a 4.82 ERA, the second-worst in MLB.

“Josh gives us an intriguing left-handed option with strong strikeout numbers in the minors,” said manager John Schneider.

Walker’s ability to compete for a spot while retaining a minor-league option provides flexibility as the team evaluates left-handed bullpen candidates, including Brendon Little. With his strikeout ability and potential for improvement, Walker could play a nice role in stabilizing Toronto’s late-inning pitching.

Josh Walker fun facts:

- Generates elite extension: 7.3 FT (97th percentile)
- Produced a 33.9% chase rate (91st percentile)
- Curveball had a 47.2% whiff rate in 2024 (elite)
- Incorporated a sinker that produced a .202 xBA and .219 xSLG, should scrap his FF for this pitch https://t.co/blul6VewsU pic.twitter.com/o0hNuRIYvZ
— ⁶ (@Atkins2Alcatraz) December 20, 2024