John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports

Mets pitcher Taijuan Walker has hired the Scott Boras Corporation to represent him moving forward ahead of becoming a free agent after the 2022 season.

Walker, who is in the midst of his second season in Queens, has a player option for the 2023 season but could opt to test the waters this winter. And, ahead of that possibility, he has teamed up with Scott Boras who is famous for hard-nosed negotiations when it comes to his clients.

Boras is one of the most powerful men in baseball and he’s got a plethora of mammoth deals under his belt, including securing huge paydays for the likes of Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg and Gerrit Cole.

As such, news that Walker will now be represented by Boras may have the Mets and Mets fans in cold sweats given the history of Boras clients. Because, make no mistake about it, Boras will do everything in his power to get the best possible deal for his latest client.

However, there’s a couple of things to consider here. Firstly; these are not your father’s Mets in that Owner Steve Cohen has proven that he will spend the big bucks if it is going to improve the team. Given that Walker was an All-Star in his first season in Queens and is currently dominating yet again, the front office may well be prepared to give Walker what he’s after on his next deal.

After all, the righty is currently pitching to a stellar 2.63 ERA this season with a 7-2 record, striking out 68 batters in 85.2 innings pitched with a 1.097 WHIP. His latest outstanding showing came on Sunday against the Marlins as he threw seven scoreless innings while striking out seven and allowing just three hits all afternoon.

Given that Walker has emerged as one of the Mets’ best and most consistent pitchers this year, don’t be surprised if the team do all they can to keep him in Queens long-term.

Secondly; Walker has made it clear that he wants to be a Met long-term. Talking to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo, Walker said: “It would be nice to do a longer-term deal and kind of just be set up in one place and know that I’m going to be here for a couple years. Maybe have my family settle in a little bit. That would be nice.”

So, while Boras will absolutely look to get Walker the best deal in free agency, no matter where that may be, Mets fans shouldn’t panic too much given that the starter seems happy to remain in Queens given the success he’s enjoyed since coming over in 2021.