RADIO
Taijuan Walker Hoping For A Breakout
7 years agoTaijuan Walker came to the Diamondbacks from the Mariners prior to 2017 season. Walker’s results were mixed in his first season in Arizona. He had 146 strikeouts in 157 innings and a 3.49 earned run average. Walker had troubles with command, as evidence in his elevated walk percentage (8.9). Walker also had a home/away split. Walker had a 2.92 earned run average on the road, while he had a 4.18 ERA at home. Historically, Walker has an issue with giving up too many home runs; however, he improved his HR/9 from prior years, despite a 1.39 HR/9 rate at Chase Field. Walker was also at a disadvantage playing in an undesirable home park of Chase Field. That changes this year when the Diamondbacks installed a humidor. With a stabilization of home stats, Walker could breakout in 2018 if he can eliminate the annual health concerns and continue to make progress. Walker should not be drafted as a foundation piece of a pitching staff. In the late rounds of 18-20, he can be selected as a potential upside pick.
