Baltimore Orioles acquire former Toronto Blue Jays left-hander from Braves

The Orioles announced that Josh Walker has been claimed off waivers from the Braves.

Walker gives Baltimore a bit more depth in left-handed relief. The O's are already familiar with Walker, as he first joined the team on another waiver claim off the Phillies' roster back in August, and Walker was then signed to a big league contract in November.

This guaranteed salary didn't stop the Braves from claiming Walker away when the Orioles designated him in November, but the offseason roster churn has now seen Walker land back in Baltimore just a month later.

Walker has pitched in each of the last three MLB seasons, delivering a 6.59 ERA, 24.2% strikeout rate, and 10.9% walk rate over 27 1/3 career innings with the Blue Jays and Mets.

Walker was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays back in May.

The southpaw had spent his whole pro career in the Mets organization before he was dealt to the Pirates at the 2024 trade deadline, and Walker has since bounced around to multiple teams in journeyman fashion.

Since transitioning to bullpen work in 2022, Walker saw an uptick in his minor league strikeout numbers, but also an increase in his walks.

The 2025 season also saw Walker struggle to keep the ball in the yard, as he gave up seven home runs over 42 2/3 combined innings with the Triple-A affiliates of the Orioles, Blue Jays, and Phillies.

Walker is out of minor league options, so more DFAs and claims could be in his future as the O's or other teams try to sneak him through waivers.