The Pittsburgh Pirates have bolstered their bullpen by acquiring left-handed relief pitcher Josh Walker from the New York Mets. The Mets had recently designated Walker for assignment. In exchange, the Pirates are sending minor-league left-hander Nicolas Carreno to New York.
Walker has made 24 relief appearances for the Mets over the 2023-24 seasons, with a record of 0-1, a 6.45 ERA, 23 strikeouts, and 12 walks in 23.1 innings. Despite his underwhelming major league performance, Walker had a strong showing in Triple-A Syracuse in 2024, with a 2.83 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 28.2 innings. His minor league career includes a 19-13 record, a 3.85 ERA, and 285 strikeouts over 257.1 innings.
At 29, Walker utilizes a three-pitch repertoire: a fastball, curveball, and sinker. He ranks in the 97th percentile for extension, a trait the Pirates value in their left-handed pitchers. Although Walker will be added to the Pirates’ 40-man roster, he is expected to be optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Carreno, the player being traded, has made eight starts in the Dominican Summer League with a 3.72 ERA. The 18-year-old has allowed only 11 hits, walked 17, and struck out 36 in 21.1 innings. He had a challenging 2023 season with a 10.50 ERA in 12 DSL appearances.
Walker’s acquisition is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Pirates’ bullpen, following their recent trade for veteran reliever Jalen Beeks from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for pitching prospect Luis Peralta. Beeks had a 4.74 ERA and nine saves in 45 appearances with the Rockies.
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