Pirates Trade for Bullpen Depth, Add Josh Walker From Mets

The Pittsburgh Pirates had an open spot on their 40-man roster and filled it by acquiring left-handed relief pitcher Josh Walker from the New York Mets, the team announced on Tuesday. Walker had been designated for assignment by the Mets on Friday.

In return, the Pirates are sending minor-league left-hander Nicolas Carreno to the Mets.

Walker has totaled 24 relief appearances with the Mets between 2023-24 and is 0-1 with a 6.45 ERA, 23 strikeouts and 12 walks across 23.1 innings pitched.

Though his brief showing in the majors has been underwhelming, Walker went 2-2 with a more encouraging 2.83 ERA with Triple-A Syracuse in 2024. In 28.2 innings, he struck out 39 batters. For his minor league career, Walker is 19-13 with a 3.85 ERA and 285 strikeouts in 257.1 innings pitched.

The 29-year-old has a three-pitch mix with a fastball, curveball and sinker. He also ranks in the 97th-percentile in extension, an attribute the Pirates have emphasized from left-handed pitchers they’ve added.

Though Walker will be added to the 40-man roster, the Pirates have optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Carreno went 0-1 with a 3.72 ERA in eight starts in the Dominican Summer League. The 18-year-old has only yielded 11 hits, walked 17 and struck out 36 batters in 21.1 innings. He posted a 10.50 ERA in 12 appearances in his first year in the DSL in 2023.

Walker is the second left-handed reliever the Pirates have acquired in as many days. On Monday, the Pirates traded pitching prospect Luis Peralta to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for veteran reliever Jalen Beeks.

Beeks went 6-4 with a 4.74 ERA and nine saves in 45 appearances with the Rockies prior to the trade.