When the Mets signed free agent Taijaun Walker to a two-year, $20 million contract in February 2021, it had the chance to be a great signing for the team. After bouncing around from Seattle to Arizona and Toronto, Walker was looking to establish consistency in a new home. Through the first half of the 2021 season, it looked like that and much more for Walker.
After injuries had plagued Walker for so much of his career, the 29-year-old surprised everyone in Queens, pitching to a 2.66 ERA in the first half. This stellar performance from Walker earned him his first All-Star game appearance, where he pitched an inning at Coors Field.