Brewers: Why Taijuan Walker is a Perfect Fit In Milwaukee

Who is an affordable free agent pitcher for the Brewers who is ripe for a comeback, still young and has the talent to be a potential ace? Taijuan Walker.

Taijuan Walker is the perfect player for the Milwaukee Brewers. His 2018 and 2019 seasons were basically taken away due to injuries. He is someone you can plug into the rotation or use him as a middle inning reliever like Brent Suter. We can always use more guys like Suter.

Walker’s contract in 2020 was for one year and only $2MM. After a decent year, Milwaukee could sign him to a deal in the range of three years, $10-12MM and possibly have a third potential ace on the roster.

Taijuan Walker’s 2020

Walker spent 2020 with two different teams. He signed the one year contract with the Seattle Mariners back in February. On August 27th, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. Two days later, he debuted for the Blue Jays and threw six scoreless innings and only allowed four hits.

He ended with a record of 4-3, had a 2.70 ERA and only gave up 16 runs over 11 games. He was great with the Blue Jays, posting a 2-1 record and a 1.37 ERA. He should now be completely healthy and ready for a decent contract.

Walker’s Fit With Milwaukee

Walker just screams perfect for Milwaukee. His nickname is “Tai Weezy”, which means I already want his players weekend jersey.

Walker is only 28 years old and would turn 29 next August. That is a young pitcher that you can give an affordable two or three year contract to. If you want to compare, the Brewers just gave a three year contract to Josh Lindblom last season for $9.125MM, and he was 32.

Corbin Burnes is 26. Brandon Woodruff and Adrian Houser are 27. By adding Walker, the Brewers would have the potential to have three lights-out starting pitchers. Imagine going into a three game playoff series with Woodruff, Burnes, and Walker.

Plus, the Brewers have pitchers like Houser and Lauer who are due for a comeback year.

Walker is the perfect starting pitcher to fall through the cracks of free agency. Over his MLB career, he has a 35-34 record, 3.84 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. Those numbers don’t scream elite, but if you watch film or saw him in 2020, the guy has impressive stuff. A lot of teams will stay away with his history of injuries, but Milwaukee has nothing to lose by signing a solid pitcher.

Before his injuries, Walker was always a solid pitcher. 2020 showed that he is still a reliable starter. And with team salaries around baseball expected to drop, a pitcher like Walker is definitely in the wheelhouse for Milwaukee.

There is always a chance a big market team could grab him on a two-year, $20MM deal. But always believe in the power of David Stearns. There is a chance Taijuan Walker is in a Milwaukee Brewers uniform.