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Marcus Stroman could get Taijuan Walker reunion on Chicago Cubs

By David Hill

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 02: Pitchers Marcus Stroman #0 and Taijuan Walker #99 of the New York Mets walk out to the bullpen before the start of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 2, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 02: Pitchers Marcus Stroman #0 and Taijuan Walker #99 of the New York Mets walk out to the bullpen before the start of a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 2, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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There are always mixed emotions when a player changes teams. It is a new opportunity and a chance to establish oneself elsewhere. In free agency, it is a new contract and another payday. However, it also means leaving friends behind, as was the case with Marcus Stroman and Taijuan Walker when Stroman signed with the Cubs.

He did not take long in his efforts to recruit Walker for the Cubs. Shortly after Walker congratulated Stroman on his new deal, the Cubs pitcher said that he hoped Walker dominated in 2022 and that they could then “link up in Chicago.”

Chicago Cubs could make Marcus Stroman, Taijuan Walker reunion a reality

That may actually happen. According to Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma from The Athletic, Walker is one of the pitchers that the Cubs are looking at bringing in. They also mentioned Kodai Senga, who has been frequently linked to the Cubs, and Stroman’s replacement in New York, Chris Bassitt, as pitchers that the team is eyeing.

Walker had a strong overall performance in 2022, posting a 3.49 ERA and a 1.195 WHiP in his 157.1 innings, striking out 132 batters with 45 walks. He continued to generate ground balls at an above average rate, further cementing his place as a solid middle of the rotation arm.

But there are some concerns with Walker. He struggled once the calendar turned to August, posting a 4.83 ERA and a 1.315 WHiP over his final 54 innings, striking out 52 batters with 17 walks while allowing eight homers. Those woes could be due to back and finger issues he suffered down the stretch, but it is still something teams may want to keep an eye on.

Those issues down the stretch could make a difference for the Cubs. They need to add pieces throughout their roster, especially as it comes to the pitching staff. It would not be a surprise if the Cubs added two more starters to the rotation as they look to continue their quest to reload. Walker would be a step in that direction.

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Marcus Stroman was hoping to reunite with Taijuan Walker on the Chicago Cubs. That could end up being a reality for the 2023 season.

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