Joshua Todd Walker Bio
Joshua Todd Walker is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball. Born on December 1, 1994, in Slate Hill, New York, Walker has appeared in MLB for the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia Phillies, and Baltimore Orioles since making his major league debut in 2023. The right-handed pitcher was selected by the New York Mets in the 2017 MLB Draft and has developed into a versatile arm capable of working out of the bullpen and making starts.
Early Life and Background
Walker grew up in Slate Hill, New York, and attended Minisink Valley High School. During his high school career, he was a three-sport athlete, competing in football, baseball, and swimming. As a senior at Minisink Valley, Walker posted a 2.60 earned run average on the mound, demonstrating his potential as a future professional pitcher. His standout high school performance laid the foundation for his pursuit of collegiate baseball.
After graduating from high school, Walker continued his baseball journey at the collegiate level. He initially played two seasons at the University of South Florida before transferring to the University of New Haven in 2016. His senior season with the Chargers proved to be a breakthrough, as he compiled a 3-1 record with a 2.40 ERA over thirty innings pitched in 2017. This strong performance caught the attention of professional scouts and set the stage for his entry into Major League Baseball.
Path to Professional Baseball
Walker’s professional career began when the New York Mets selected him in the 37th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. He signed with the organization and made his professional debut with the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Mets. His first professional season presented challenges as he posted a 9.42 ERA over 14 and one-third innings pitched. However, Walker continued to develop and refine his craft in subsequent seasons.
The 2018 season marked a significant step forward in Walker’s development. He played for the Kingsport Mets of the Rookie-level Appalachian League before earning a promotion to the Brooklyn Cyclones of the Low-A New York-Penn League. With Brooklyn, Walker showcased improved performance, recording a 3.27 ERA with 52 strikeouts over 41 and one-third innings. The 2019 season was derailed by a car accident that injured his left arm, limiting him to only six innings pitched. The following year, the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the entire minor league season, further disrupting his progression.
Joshua Todd Walker Career
New York Mets (2023-2024)
Walker began the 2023 season with Triple-A Syracuse, where he delivered an exceptional performance across nine appearances. He logged a remarkable 0.68 ERA with 18 strikeouts in just 13 and one-third innings pitched. This dominant stretch earned him a spot on the 40-man roster and his first major league promotion on May 16, 2023. Walker made his MLB debut shortly after joining the Mets, realizing his lifelong dream of reaching the sport’s highest level.
His initial MLB stint presented challenges as Walker struggled to find his footing at the major league level. Across 14 games with the Mets, he posted an 8.10 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 10 innings of work. On August 14, 2023, Walker was placed on the injured list with a right oblique strain, and he was transferred to the 60-day injured list later that month. He returned for the 2024 season but continued to experience difficulties, recording a 5.11 ERA with 11 strikeouts across 12 and one-third innings in 10 appearances. The Mets designated Walker for assignment on July 26, 2024, following the acquisition of Ryne Stanek.
Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies (2025)
On December 20, 2024, Walker signed a one-year, $760,000 contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo to begin the 2025 season. Walker made three appearances for the Blue Jays, recording a 7.20 ERA with eight strikeouts over five innings. On May 25, 2025, Toronto designated Walker for assignment following the promotion of Ali Sanchez.
Walker was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies on May 29, 2025, in exchange for cash considerations. He reported to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and performed well across 23 appearances, logging a 2-1 record with a 4.50 ERA and 22 strikeouts over 26 innings. The Phillies designated Walker for assignment on August 19, 2025, making him available for waiver claims.
Baltimore Orioles (2025-Present)
The Baltimore Orioles claimed Walker off waivers on August 21, 2025. He reported to Triple-A Norfolk and made six appearances, posting a 2.70 ERA with seven strikeouts across 6 and two-thirds innings. The Orioles designated Walker for assignment on November 6, 2025, but he was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves on November 13. Atlanta designated him for assignment on December 5, and the Orioles reclaimed Walker off waivers on December 10.
Walker was designated for assignment once more following the acquisition of Shane Baz on December 19. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Norfolk on January 7, 2026. He began the 2026 season with Triple-A Norfolk before the Orioles selected his contract on May 11, adding him to their active roster. This promotion represented another opportunity for Walker to establish himself at the major league level with his fourth organization.
Pitching Style and Strengths
Walker has shown versatility throughout his career, working both as a starter and reliever. His minor league statistics indicate a pitcher capable of missing bats, with strikeout rates that have translated inconsistently to the major league level. His performance at Triple-A Syracuse in 2023 demonstrated his potential when locating his pitches effectively. Walker has navigated multiple organizations through the waiver wire, showcasing his value as a depth arm who can provide innings when needed.
Notable Events and Milestones
Walker’s career has been defined by perseverance through adversity. His 2019 car accident and the 2020 pandemic cancellation tested his resilience and forced him to rebuild his arm strength and confidence. His MLB debut on May 16, 2023, represented the culmination of years of minor league development. The transaction history involving five different organizations in 2024 and 2025 highlights the transactional nature of MLB roster management and Walker’s ability to remain in professional baseball despite constant movement.
Joshua Todd Walker Career Statistics
Through June 29, 2026, Walker has appeared in 27 major league games across his career with the Mets, Blue Jays, and Orioles. He has compiled a win-loss record of 0-1 with a 6.19 ERA and 37 strikeouts. His minor league career includes successful stretches at the Triple-A level, most notably his 2023 stint with Syracuse where he posted a 0.68 ERA.
Major League Baseball Statistics
Walker’s MLB career spans parts of four seasons, though his opportunities have been limited by injuries and roster transactions. His 37 career strikeouts have come across approximately 29 innings pitched. The right-hander continues to work toward consistent major league success as he develops within the Orioles organization.
Minor League Highlights
Walker’s most productive minor league season came in 2021 when he combined to go 9-4 with a 3.73 ERA and 98 strikeouts over 115 and two-thirds innings across three levels. His 2022 season was abbreviated due to injury rehabilitation, limiting him to 22 innings with a 4.91 ERA. The 2023 season with Syracuse showcased his best attributes before his promotion to the majors.
Joshua Todd Walker Family
Family Background
Specific details about Walker’s family background, including his parents, siblings, or any hereditary connection to baseball, are not extensively documented in available public sources. He grew up in Slate Hill, New York, where his high school athletics suggest a family supportive of his multi-sport development during his formative years.
Personal Life
Walker graduated from Minisink Valley High School before pursuing higher education at both the University of South Florida and the University of New Haven. His journey through multiple college programs demonstrates his dedication to reaching professional baseball. As of the available information, Walker’s marital status, spouse, or children have not been publicly documented. He continues to reside in the baseball world, frequently relocating based on his team assignments across Major League Baseball organizations.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a year of transition and opportunity for Walker. Beginning with the Toronto Blue Jays on a one-year, $760,000 contract, he was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo to begin the season. His brief MLB appearance with Toronto resulted in mixed results before he was designated for assignment in late May. The trade to Philadelphia provided a fresh start, and Walker responded with solid numbers at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, posting a 2-1 record and 4.50 ERA across 23 appearances.
The waiver wire path led Walker to Baltimore, where the Orioles saw enough potential to claim him not once but twice within the same offseason. His six appearances with Triple-A Norfolk (2.70 ERA) demonstrated his ability to get hitters out at the minor league level. The December 2025 transactions, including being claimed by Atlanta and then reclaimed by Baltimore, underscore the ongoing evaluation of Walker’s role within the sport. As of 2026, he has earned another opportunity with the Orioles after a strong showing at Norfolk, continuing his journey toward establishing himself as a reliable major league pitcher.