Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Taijuan Walker

Discover the career path of Taijuan Walker, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Taijuan Walker is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in MLB. He debuted in 2013 and has also played for the Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets. Walker was selected as an All-Star in 2021. He has also represented the Mexico national baseball team in international competition.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Drafted by Seattle Mariners

In 2010, Taijuan Walker was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the first round, with the 43rd overall pick, of the MLB draft, and agreed to a deal including an $800,000 signing bonus.

2012: All-Star Futures Game Selection

In 2012, Taijuan Walker was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game.

August 30, 2013: MLB Promotion

On August 30, 2013, the Seattle Mariners promoted Taijuan Walker after he pitched for the Tacoma Rainiers. He then pitched 5 innings against the Houston Astros, yielding only 2 hits and striking out 2.

September 2013: Roster Expansion Call-Up

In September 2013, Taijuan Walker was called up when rosters expanded. He started 3 games and finished the season with a 3.60 ERA in 15 innings.

2013: MLB Debut

In 2013, Taijuan Walker made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

September 24, 2014: First MLB Complete Game

On September 24, 2014, Taijuan Walker pitched his first MLB complete game, allowing one run in a 1-0 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

2015: 2015 Season Performance

In 2015, Taijuan Walker finished the season with an 11-8 record despite posting a 4.56 ERA in 29 starts. He had a complete game one-hitter against the Minnesota Twins on July 31st, winning 6-1 and striking out 11.

August 8, 2016: Optioned to Triple-A

On August 8, 2016, Taijuan Walker was optioned to Triple-A.

September 13, 2016: First Career Shutout

On September 13, 2016, Taijuan Walker pitched his first career complete-game shutout in an 8-0 Mariners win over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

November 23, 2016: Trade to Arizona Diamondbacks

On November 23, 2016, the Seattle Mariners traded Taijuan Walker and Ketel Marte to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Jean Segura, Mitch Haniger, and Zac Curtis.

2017: First Season with Diamondbacks

In 2017, Taijuan Walker made 28 starts in his first season in Arizona, pitching to a 9-9 record in 157 innings.

April 15, 2018: Placed on Disabled List

On April 15, 2018, Taijuan Walker was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to right forearm tightness.

2019: One game appearance and Non-tender

Following his Tommy John surgery, in 2019 Taijuan Walker appeared in one game for the Diamondbacks. On December 2, Walker was non-tendered by Arizona and became a free agent.

February 4, 2020: Workout for Major League Teams

On February 4, 2020, Taijuan Walker worked out for 20 scouts from major league teams.

August 27, 2020: Trade to Toronto Blue Jays

On August 27, 2020, the Seattle Mariners traded Taijuan Walker to the Toronto Blue Jays for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

August 29, 2020: Blue Jays Debut

On August 29, 2020, Taijuan Walker made his Blue Jays debut against the Baltimore Orioles, throwing six scoreless innings and allowing four hits.

September 1, 2020: Trade Completion

On September 1, 2020, the Toronto Blue Jays sent Alberto Rodríguez to the Seattle Mariners to complete the trade for Taijuan Walker.

February 20, 2021: Signed with New York Mets

On February 20, 2021, Taijuan Walker agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract with the New York Mets, including a player option for the 2023 season.