When the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired right-hander Taijuan Walker in the off-season, the immediate discussion centered around Walker’s upside. Here was a player at 24-years-old with a live arm, positive disposition and a wealth of talent.
The only element preventing Walker from reaching any potential was an injured ankle. Walker pushed through that pain last season and showed flashes of the kind of ability and future what was envisioned. That was not good enough for the Seattle Mariners, who dealt Walker last Nov. 23 to the Diamondbacks as part of the Jean Segura trade.