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 an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in MLB. He debuted in MLB in 2013, and has played for multiple teams including the Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets. Walker was selected as an All-Star in 2021. He has also played for the Mexico national baseball team, showing his ties to his heritage.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Drafted by Seattle Mariners

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

2011: Mariners' Top Prospect

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

2012: All-Star Futures Game Selection

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

August 30, 2013: Promotion to the 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 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 began the season in the Mariners' starting rotation, initially struggling but then winning five straight starts in June and July. On July 31, he threw a complete game one-hitter against the Minnesota Twins. Walker finished the 2015 season with an 11-8 record and a 4.56 ERA.

August 8, 2016: Optioned to AAA

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

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

November 23, 2016: Traded to Diamondbacks

On November 23, 2016, Taijuan Walker and Ketel Marte were traded by the Mariners 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, in 2019, Taijuan Walker appeared in one game for the Diamondbacks, the final game of the 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: Traded 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 Toronto Blue Jays debut against the Baltimore Orioles, throwing six scoreless innings and allowing four hits.