Relief pitcher Josh Walker joked the other day that last season was his \u201cjourneyman era.\u201d<\/p>\n
Walker played in three different organizations \u2013 Toronto, Philadelphia, and Baltimore \u2013 in 2025. The left-hander racked up some serious frequent-flier miles, but he also experienced adversity and disappointment.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cjourney\u201d of his career.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I\u2019ve put a ton of pressure on myself over the years,\u201d said Walker, who will report to big league camp with the Baltimore Orioles next month. \u201cI kind of put myself under the microscope and dwelled on the highs and lows. You can\u2019t get into your own head \u2014 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In 23 appearances with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Walker went 2\u20131 with a 4.50 ERA, striking out 22 batters over 26 innings. He was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Aug. 19.<\/p>\n
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 6\u2154 innings. Walker enters 2026 with renewed confidence.<\/p>\n
He struggled last season with mechanics, pitched through a sore deltoid muscle, and has since developed a new pitch \u2014 a changeup \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Although he has yet to stick in the majors, Walker remains a valuable commodity \u2014 a 6-foot-6 left-hander with experience and a healthy perspective on both life and the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just have to focus on being consistent, enjoy what I\u2019m doing, have fun, and keep the pressure off myself,\u201d Walker said. \u201cThere 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\u2019s only a certain window of time to play. I\u2019m going into spring training ready to go, ready to attack hitters. Let\u2019s see how it plays out.\u201d<\/p>\n
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