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 Major League Baseball pitcher currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies. He debuted in the MLB in 2013 and has also played for the Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets. Walker was an MLB 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, the Seattle Mariners selected Taijuan Walker in the first round, with the 43rd overall pick, of the MLB draft. Walker and the Mariners agreed to a deal that included an $800,000 signing bonus.

August 30, 2013: Mariners Promotion

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

September 2013: September Call-Up

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, allowing one run in a 1–0 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

2015: 2015 Season Performance

During the 2015 season, Taijuan Walker began as a member of the Mariners' starting rotation. He struggled initially but then won five straight starts in June and July. On July 31, he threw a complete game one-hitter against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, winning 6–1 and striking out 11. He finished the 2015 season with an 11–8 record and a 4.56 ERA in 29 starts.

August 8, 2016: Optioned to AAA

On August 8, 2016, Taijuan Walker was optioned to AAA.

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, allowing no walks and three hits while striking out eleven batters.

November 23, 2016: Trade to Diamondbacks

On November 23, 2016, the 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, Taijuan Walker's first season in Arizona, he made 28 starts, pitching to a 9–9 record in 157 innings.

2019: One Game After Surgery

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

February 4, 2020: Workout for Scouts

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

August 27, 2020: Trade to Blue Jays

On August 27, 2020, the 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, Toronto sent Alberto Rodríguez to Seattle to complete the trade for Taijuan Walker.

February 20, 2021: Signed with 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.