D-Backs GM: Unfair to say Walker hasn't lived up to expectations
The Seattle Mariners might have given up on Taijuan Walker too quickly, in Mike Hazen's opinion.
The new Arizona Diamondbacks general manager didn't waste any time t making a big move after his October hiring, acquiring Walker from the Mariners as part of a five-player trade Wednesday. Walker, however, is coming off a down season in Seattle where he posted a 4.22 ERA in 25 starts, a potential reason for the franchise's willingness to part with the young hurler.
Hazen, though, feels it isn't right to label the 24-year-old a bust just yet.
"I think it's unfair to say (Walker) hasn't lived up to expectations. I think the guy has been pretty good. There's no denying the stuff," he told MLB Network Radio's Jim Bowden and Jeff Joyce on Sunday.
Related: Hazen says pitchers like Walker aren't available often
To complete the trade, Arizona parted with speedy shortstop Jean Segura, who slashed .319/.368/.499 and mashed 20 home runs to go along with 33 stolen bases in 2016. Outfield prospect Mitch Haniger and left-hander Zac Curtis were also shipped to Seattle in the deal, though the Diamondbacks also received shortstop Ketel Marte.
Hazen didn't mind the high price for Walker as the former Red Sox general manager admitted he had interest in bringing the pitcher to Boston. Wednesday's swap, though, required a completely different set of blueprints.
"We started from scratch on this one," Hazen said.