Blue Jays Bolster Bullpen With Josh Walker Signing
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Bullpen Overhaul Continues for Blue Jays
The Blue Jays are actively reconstructing their bullpen after a disappointing 2024 season where relievers posted a collective 4.82 ERA – only the Colorado Rockies fared worse. The team has already parted ways with Génesis Cabrera and Jordan Romano, both of whom have since signed with other clubs. they re-signed Yimi garcía, who was traded to the Mariners last year, and acquired Nick Sandlin in the Andrés Giménez trade. Before adding Walker, the only left-handed relievers on the roster where brendon Little and…Blue Jays Designate Thomas Jankins for Assignment
The Toronto Blue Jays designated left-handed pitcher Thomas Jankins for assignment on Tuesday. Jankins joins a crowded left-handed relief competition in Toronto, with several young pitchers vying for spots on the 2025 opening day roster. The Blue Jays’ southpaw bullpen candidates include Brandon Eisert, Easton Lucas, and Bowden Walker, all relatively inexperienced but brimming with potential. Walker, notably, still has an option year remaining, as do the other contenders. This suggests a scenario where these pitchers might shuttle between the majors and Triple-A throughout the season, gaining valuable experience along the way. Jankins, who turns 26 this month, began his professional career as a catcher before transitioning to the mound. This conversion, while relatively successful, has been hindered by injuries and limited innings. His professional pitching debut came in 2021 at High-A, where he impressed with a 2.02 ERA and a 29.4% strikeout rate. This strong showing led to a 40-man roster spot, safeguarding him from the Rule 5 draft. As then, he has faced challenges, spending significant time on the injured list. He did make his major league debut in 2023 but pitched in only a third of an inning before landing on the IL again. in parts of three minor league seasons, he has a respectable 3.38 ERA but has logged only 114.1 innings. The Blue Jays now have a week to trade Jankins or pass him through waivers. The team may receive some trade interest given his remaining option year and previous success.”DFA limbo” often extends beyond a week during the holidays. As a recent example, Ryan Jensen, designated for assignment by the Marlins last december, wasn’t claimed until January 4th.## Archyde Sports: Blue Jays Sign Lefty Josh Walker
**Introduction**
Welcome back to Archyde Sports. Today, we’ll be discussing the Toronto Blue Jays’ recent acquisition of left-handed pitcher Josh Walker.Joining us today is [**Alex Reed Name**],a baseball analyst with [**Alex Reed Credentials**],to share their insights on this move.
**Discussion**
**host:** Thank you for joining us today, [**Alex Reed Name**]. The Blue Jays made headlines this week by signing Josh Walker to a one-year contract. while Walker brings some MLB experiance, his numbers haven’t been particularly impressive. What are your thoughts on this signing?
**Alex Reed:** [**Alex Reed response discussing walker’s potential, the Blue Jays’ needs, and whether Walker is a good fit for the team.**]
**Host:** You mentioned potential. Can you elaborate on what the Blue Jays might see in Walker that they’re hoping to unlock?
**Alex Reed:** [**Alex Reed response highlighting Walker’s specific strengths, areas for improvement, and potential reasons for past struggles. This could include his pitching style, repertoire, or analytical data suggesting untapped potential.**]
**Host:** Given Walker’s past performance, what are realistic expectations for him with the Blue Jays?
**guest:** [**Alex Reed response providing a balanced outlook on Walker’s likely role and contributions, acknowledging both his limitations and potential upside.**]
**Host:** The Blue Jays designated Hagen Danner for assignment to make room on the roster. what message does this send about the association’s current priorities and depth chart at the bullpen?
**Alex Reed:** [**guest response analyzing the implications of this roster move, discussing the team’s bullpen composition, and potential future acquisitions or promotions.**]
**Conclusion**
**Host:** Thank you for providing such insightful analysis, [**Alex Reed Name**]. This signing certainly raises some interesting questions about the Blue Jays’ strategy for the upcoming season. We’ll be following Walker’s progress closely and see how he integrates into the bullpen.
**For our readers:** What are your thoughts on the Blue Jays’ signing of Josh Walker? Let us know in the comments below.
## Archyde Interview: bolstering the Bullpen – A Look at the Blue Jays’ Offseason Moves
**Today we’re joined by Alex Reed, a baseball analyst who closely follows the Toronto Blue jays. Welcome to the show!**
**Archyde:** The Blue Jays have been busy making moves to revamp their bullpen after a arduous 2024 season. Can you give us your take on their offseason strategy so far?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely! It’s clear the Blue Jays recognized the need to address their bullpen weakness. After posting a dismal 4.82 ERA last season, they’ve taken a multi-pronged approach. They’ve brought in experienced arms like Nick Sandlin via trade and re-signed Yimi García, but have also been active in the minor league market, signing lefty josh Walker and designating Thomas Jankins for assignment.
**Archyde:**
Let’s talk about Josh walker. What can Blue Jays fans expect from him?
**Alex Reed:** While Walker’s major league numbers haven’t been stellar, he’s shown glimpses of potential in the minors. His strikeout rate is impressive and his 3.54 ERA over the last three years in the minors is encouraging. The Blue Jays are likely betting on him finding consistency at the major league level.
**Archyde:**
The blue Jays’ bullpen now boasts several young lefties vying for spots. How do you see the competition shaking out?
**[Alex Reed name]:** It’s a crowded field. Along with Walker, we’ve got Brandon Eisert, Easton Lucas, and Bowden Walker. They all have upside but lack experience. You can expect some shuffling between the majors and Triple-A for these pitchers as they develop.
**Archyde:** What about Thomas Jankins? His story is quite unique, transitioning from catcher to pitcher.
**[guest name]:** It’s a testament to his athleticism and dedication. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance,injuries have hampered his progress. The Blue Jays are deep in lefty pitching prospects, and unfortunately, Jankins found himself on the outside looking in. He’ll likely have opportunities to prove himself in another organization.
**Archyde:**
how confident are you in the Blue jays’ bullpen heading into the 2025 season?
**Alex Reed:** It’s definately an improved unit compared to last year.The Blue Jays have brought in some potential solutions and created healthy competition within their farm system. It will be interesting to see how these moves translate onto the field next season.
**Archyde:**
Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today, Alex Reed. We appreciate your expertise on this topic!
