Cubs Bring in Free Agent Pitcher and Former First-Round Pick Taijuan Walker to Spring Camp for Workout

The Chicago Cubs are in need of starting pitching help, and with most impactful free agents already off the market, Theo Epstein and Co. are running out of time.

Taijuan Walker, a former top prospect-turned-injury-riddled "what if", was seen at Cubs camp speaking to management before what reportedly became a workout. Could a Spring Training invite follow?

Walker's missed the majority of the last two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He's a flyer at this point in his career and by no means can he be counted upon to log a large number of innings. That being said, he's all Chicago can afford right now, per their surprisingly low financial flexibility.

The Cubs' starting rotation consists of regulars Jon Lester, Yu Darvish, Kyle Hendricks and Jose Quintana. While that leaves much to be desired, Walker could theoretically compete with Tyler Chatwood for that No. 5 spot or as a long relief option if he were to impress in his workout.

For Chicago, it's a shot worth taking.