Baltimore Orioles designate former Toronto Blue Jays left-hander for assignment
Photo credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
The Baltimore Orioles have designated former Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Josh Walker for assignment.
The Orioles announced Friday that they've designated lefty Josh Walker for assignment.
His spot on the roster will go to newly acquired right-hander Shane Baz, who the O's acquired from the division-rival Rays earlier this afternoon.
Trade is official. Orioles DFA'd LHP Josh Walker to make room for Baz on the 40-man roster.
Walker has been bounced around between the Mets, Blue Jays, Phillies and Braves in 2025
The Orioles claimed Walker off waivers after the Braves designated the lefty for assignment on December 12.
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 Mets and Blue Jays.
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 has one minor league option remaining, so he could be a candidate for frequent shuffles back and forth between the 26-man roster and the Triple-A roster.
Will Josh Walker get claimed off of waivers again?
Tell us what you think in the poll below.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 19 | 44 ANSWERS Baltimore Orioles designate former Toronto Blue Jays left-hander for assignment Will Josh Walker get claimed off of waivers again? | ||
| Yes | 20 | 45.5 % |
| No | 12 | 27.3 % |
| Too early to tell | 12 | 27.3 % |
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