Taijuan Walker (SP, SEA) - Waiver Wire Analysis

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 26% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: As talented of a pitcher as Taijuan Walker clearly is he has struggled mightily to the point of ownership in fantasy leagues plummeting in epic proportions. At 26% owned Walker is a guy that will not last very long on the wire for good reason.

With this being Walker's first full season with the Seattle Mariners bumps in the road were to be expected. Walker still has 8 K/9 but has 4 BB/9 as well. His FIP of 3.82 and WHIP of 1.35 are both career highs and have both been steadily rising as the year has gone on.

However the night is always darkest before the dawn right? Walker's recent numbers are as follows: 34.1 IP, 36 K, 3 BB, 9 ER and 4 wins to boot. Those are "ace-like" elite numbers and Walker plays along side one of the best pitchers in the league in Felix Hernandez. How is this guy not owned universally? Buying low and or trading for someone of this stature is a must have plus a necessity for any team! This acquisition should guarantee a trip straight to the fantasy playoffs.

Walker has been working feverishly on his command and something has obviously clicked. The run support is better and his defense has stepped up behind him but his control and presence on the mound has finally been brought to the light. Walker must be taken seriously now more than ever as a mainstay for fantasy rotations for years to come.

As mentioned before, go get Walker any way you can and get an ace to carry you to the promise land.