Pirates Reportedly Pull Off Trade For Mets To Add Intriguing Reliever

The Pittsburgh Pirates are busy right now.

The Pirates are running out of time to make trades and made yet another on Tuesday afternoon. Pittsburgh reportedly is acquiring veteran hurler Josh Walker in a trade with the New York Mets, according to FanSided’s Robert Murray.

“Source: The Pirates are acquiring pitcher Josh Walker from the Mets,” Murray said. “Walker had recently been designated for assignment.”

Walker is an intriguing player to take a chance on. He’s 29 years old and recently was designated for assignment by the Mets. It hasn’t been reported at this point who the Pirates gave up for Walker, but because he was designated for assignment it likely wasn’t a large trade haul.

He could be someone who could help the Pirates, though, as a bullpen depth option. Walker only has made 10 appearances at the big league level this year. Over that stretch, he logged a 5.11 ERA and an 11-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 12 1/3 innings pitched. While those numbers may not jump off the page, he was much more impressive in the minor leagues.

Walker has made 25 appearances in the minor league so far this season and has logged a 2.83 ERA with a 39-to-21 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 28 2/3 innings pitched. If Walker can perform anywhere near that level with the Pirates down the stretch, he could end up being a steal. Time will tell but the Pirates still have time to make more moves and it wouldn’t be too shocking to see them do so.

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