Relief pitcher Josh Walker joked the other day that last season was his “journeyman era.”

Walker played in three different organizations – Toronto, Philadelphia, and Baltimore – in 2025. The left-hander racked up some serious frequent-flier miles, but he also experienced adversity and disappointment.

Earlier in his career, Walker, a 2013 Minisink Valley graduate, tended to obsess over the lows of a season rather than relish the highs, burdening himself with pressure. However, as he has become a seasoned pro, Walker has learned to appreciate the “journey” of his career.

“I think I’ve put a ton of pressure on myself over the years,” said Walker, who will report to big league camp with the Baltimore Orioles next month. “I kind of put myself under the microscope and dwelled on the highs and lows. You can’t get into your own head — you have to make the most of each day. Last year, I enjoyed what I was doing and had more fun. I got to meet and compete with a lot of great dudes who love doing the same thing that I do.”

Walker, 31, credits his new approach in large part to his wife, Kelsey, who has helped him stay positive and let a bad outing go. Much like a nine-to-fiver, Walker has learned not to bring his work home with him. His family has also been a steady source of support throughout his career.

Walker, who pitched out of the bullpen for the Mets in 2023 and 2024, began last season with Toronto. In three appearances for the Blue Jays, he posted a 7.20 ERA with eight strikeouts over five innings. On May 25, 2025, Walker was designated for assignment and later traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.

In 23 appearances with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Walker went 2–1 with a 4.50 ERA, striking out 22 batters over 26 innings. He was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Aug. 19.

Walker was then claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles. He posted a 2.70 ERA with seven strikeouts in six appearances for the Triple-A Norfolk Tides, totaling 6⅔ innings. Walker enters 2026 with renewed confidence.

He struggled last season with mechanics, pitched through a sore deltoid muscle, and has since developed a new pitch — a changeup — to add to his repertoire. During the offseason, Walker has also worked on raising his arm slot, which should help improve his control and add life to his four-seam fastball. The changeup figures to make him even more deceptive on the mound.

Although he has yet to stick in the majors, Walker remains a valuable commodity — a 6-foot-6 left-hander with experience and a healthy perspective on both life and the game.

“I just have to focus on being consistent, enjoy what I’m doing, have fun, and keep the pressure off myself,” Walker said. “There are going to be some shakeups, but it is what it is. The baseball world is tough, but you have to roll with it because there’s only a certain window of time to play. I’m going into spring training ready to go, ready to attack hitters. Let’s see how it plays out.”