Toronto Blue Jays sign new pitcher and cut ties with another
The Toronto Blue Jays did a pitching swap of sorts this afternoon.
The organization took to X to announce that they have signed a one-year contract with left-handed pitcher Josh Walker. The 30-year-old appeared in 10 games with the New York Mets this past season, putting up a 5.11 ERA along with 11 strikeouts and six walks through 12.1 innings. His first stint in the Major Leagues came with the Mets in 2023, where he had an 8.10 ERA through 10 innings.
In a subsequent move, the Blue Jays announced that right-handed pitcher Hagen Danner had been designated for assignment. The 26-year-old managed a 3.15 ERA through 34.1 innings with Triple-A Buffalo this past season. He was selected 61st overall in the 2017 MLB draft by the Blue Jays but never progressed the way they had envisioned.
OFFICIAL: We've signed LHP Josh Walker to a one-year contract. Welcome to the #BlueJays!
Additionally, RHP Hagen Danner has been designated for assignment. pic.twitter.com/TL1OjcOMb3
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) December 20, 2024
The Blue Jays have made several moves this offseason, but all rather minor ones compared to landing the big fish fans have been hoping for. Many were praying they would find a way to sign Juan Soto, but that failed to come to fruition, as he instead inked a 15-year deal with the New York Mets.
However, a big move could still be made as plenty of big names continue to consider their options on the free-agent market.
Starting pitcher Corbin Burnes remains up for grabs and has been tied to the Blue Jays by several reporters. Other position players that remain up for grabs include Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, Teoscar Hernandez, and Anthony Santander.
The Blue Jays went into the offseason hoping to make big improvements to their roster after a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw them go 74-88. They’ve failed to make any significant changes to this point, but they have been able to add some depth to the organization, including today’s signing.