After Phillies signing, Taijuan Walker says Mets are 'enemy now'

Starting pitcher Taijuan Walker spent the last two seasons with the Mets. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

After signing with rival Phillies, SP Taijuan Walker says Mets are 'the enemy now'

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/16/22

The Philadelphia Phillies' newest free-agent signing, starting pitcher Taijuan Walker, wasted little time embracing the team's rivalry with the New York Mets, his former club.

When asked if he'd given any thought to pitching against his old teammates, Walker said 'It's going to be fun."

"Francisco (Lindor) texted me and said, 'can't wait for the battles,'" Walker told reporters. "I know those guys really well. They're my friends off the field, but when we step in between the lines, they're the enemy now."

Watch Taijuan Walker as he addresses the media. https://t.co/2j99kbnL0x
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) December 16, 2022

Walker, 30, spent the last two seasons with the Mets before inking a four-year, $72 million contract with the Phillies this week. In 58 starts for the Mets, Walker went 19-16 with a 3.98 ERA while earning his first All-Star nod in 2021.

Walker is coming off one of the strongest seasons of his 10-year career, going 12-5 with a 3.49 ERA in 29 starts.

Walker said joining a team with World Series aspirations was a big selling point, as was the atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park during the postseason. He recently spoke with former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, who sold him on the City of Brotherly Love.

"He was telling me playing in the playoffs here in Philly is the loudest he's ever heard a stadium," Walker said. "For me, that's exciting. To have a fanbase that's so passionate and cares so much about the team — who shows up every day."

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