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 a free agent, who has played for several MLB teams, including the Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies. He debuted in MLB in 2013 and achieved All-Star status in 2021. He has also played for the Mexican national baseball team.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Drafted by Seattle Mariners

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

2011: Mariners Top Prospect

In 2011, Taijuan Walker was listed as one of the Mariners' top 10 prospects, ranked fourth according to Baseball America.

2012: All-Star Futures Game Selection

Prior to the 2012 season, Taijuan Walker was ranked the second best prospect in the Mariners organization and the 20th best overall. Walker was selected to play in the 2012 All-Star Futures Game.

August 30, 2013: Promotion to Mariners

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

September 2013: Called Up in September

In September 2013, Taijuan Walker was called up when rosters expanded. He started 3 games, finishing 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 Complete Game

On September 24, 2014, Taijuan Walker pitched his first MLB complete game, losing 1-0 to the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

2015: 2015 Season Performance

In 2015, Taijuan Walker began the season in the Mariners' starting rotation but initially struggled. He later won five straight starts in June and July, then threw a complete game one-hitter against the Minnesota Twins on July 31. He finished the 2015 season with an 11–8 record and a 4.56 ERA.

August 8, 2016: Optioned to Triple-A

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

September 13, 2016: Complete-Game 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: Traded 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 in Arizona

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

February 4, 2020: Workout for Scouts

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

August 27, 2020: Traded 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.

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, with a player option for the 2023 season.

2021: All-Star Selection

In 2021, Taijuan Walker was selected as an All-Star.

November 7, 2022: Opted Out of Mets Contract

On November 7, 2022, Taijuan Walker opted out of his contract with the New York Mets for the 2023 season and elected free agency.

December 16, 2022: Signed with Philadelphia Phillies

On December 16, 2022, Taijuan Walker signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

2024: 2024 Season Struggles and Role Change

In 2024, Taijuan Walker began the season on the injured list. After returning, he struggled and was eventually moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen as a relief pitcher on August 29.