{"id":11550,"date":"2024-07-30T11:22:28","date_gmt":"2024-07-30T18:22:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportrelay.com\/mlb\/?p=11550"},"modified":"2024-07-30T12:46:47","modified_gmt":"2024-07-30T19:46:47","slug":"pirates-acquire-josh-walker-from-mets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportrelay.com\/mlb\/2024\/07\/30\/pirates-acquire-josh-walker-from-mets\/","title":{"rendered":"Pirates Acquire Josh Walker From Mets"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a> are finalizing a deal to acquire LHP Josh Walker<\/a> (0-0, 5.11 ERA, 0 SV) from the New York Mets<\/a>. The 29-year-old Walker had recently been designated for assignment.<\/p>\n

Reports state that the return for the Mets is rookie ball lefty starter Nicolas Carreno<\/a>. Carreno owns a 3.74 ERA, 1.292 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts in 21 2\/3 innings in the Dominican Summer League in 2024. That’s good enough for 15 strikeouts per nine innings for the 18-year-old hurler.<\/p>\n

Josh Walker Trade for Pirates<\/h2>\n

For the Pirates, Walker adds more depth to an inconsistent bullpen. In 25 games for Triple-A Syracuse, Walker had an ERA of 2.83 to go along with 39 strikeouts and 5 saves. The hope for the Pirates is that Walker can show some of the promise he had displayed in Triple-A earlier this season. Aroldis Chapman<\/a> (4-4, 3.63 ERA, 4 SV) has been inconsistent during his stint with the Pirates. More reliable bullpen depth would be a major step in the right direction.<\/p>\n

Pirates Making Moves<\/h2>\n

This move is the latest in what has become a busy deadline for the Pirates. On Monday the Pirates completed two trades. One trade was another reliever swap<\/a>, LHP Jalen Beeks<\/a> (6-4, 4.74 ERA, 9 SV) was sent to the Pirates from the Colorado Rockies<\/a>. Before that deal on Monday, the Pirates acquired INF prospect Nick Yorke<\/a> from the Boston Red Sox for RHP Quinn Priester<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While the Pirates have made several minor moves, we have still yet to see the trade for an All-Star caliber player that many expected them to make. With roughly four hours until the trade deadline at 6 PM Eastern, the Pirates still might make that move. Depth pieces such as Walker will lessen the strain of giving up prospects to bring a high-profile player to Pittsburgh. The Pirates, behind the play of rookie Paul Skenes<\/a> (6-1, 1.90 ERA) and LF Bryan Reynolds<\/a> (.288, 61 RBI) are 2 games out of a wild card spot. With time winding down, fans are still holding out hope that a larger deal is coming. A playoff berth for the Pirates would be the franchise’s first since 2015.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

More Trade Deadline Coverage<\/h4>\n