Mets Predicted To Land $72 Million Taijuan Walker From Phillies In Shocking Trade

The Philadelphia Phillies acquired Jesús Luzardo this past offseason in a move that was bound to see Taijuan Walker’s time in Philadelphia come to an end. But as fate would have it, Ranger Suárez suffered an injury before the year that thrust Walker into the rotation going into the season.

But when Suárez returns from the injured list, there’s a chance the Phillies try to trade Walker rather than move him to the bullpen or cut him.

Jon Conahan of Athlon Sports recently pitched a blockbuster trade idea that would send Walker to the New York Mets this season.

“Walker is currently on a four-year, $72 million deal through 2026,” Conahan wrote. “There aren’t many teams in Major League Baseball that would be willing to take on that contract, and the Phillies will likely have to pay much of it down. However, the New York Mets, where he was an All-Star in the 2021 campaign, could be a team that gives him another shot.”

It’s not common that a team would send one of its starting pitchers to a division rival like this, but considering Walker has haunted Phillies fans for the last year or two, this one could be the exception.

The Mets have become notorious for turning struggling pitchers’ careers around. Walker could be a huge addition with Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas injured at the moment. A trade would likely cost New York close to no prospect capital, too.

More MLB: MLB Writer Urges Braves To Swing Blockbuster Trade Involving Struggling All-Star