New York Mets starting pitcher Taijuan Walker is on a contract year, though fans could probably have guessed that based on the way he's been pitching of late. With Walker throwing some of the best innings fans have ever seen from him, his latest move involving agents should have Mets supporters feeling a bit nervous. According to Jon Heyman, Walker has changed agents and is now represented by the Scott Boras Corporation.

This is truly not the news Mets fans were hoping for.

Boras is renowned for getting his players the best possible deals in free agency. The super-agent taking over Walker's negotiations is a clear-cut sign that the Los Angeles native will test the open market, rather than return to the Mets. Walker has a player option for the 2023 season worth $6 million, but after signing with Boras, it's a foregone conclusion that he will decline it in order to become a free agent.

The Mets signed Walker in 2021 on a three-year $23 million deal, including the player option for 2023. He earned $10 million in 2021 and is collecting $7 million in 2022. While he was due $6 million in 2023, based on his performance this season for the Mets, it's highly unlikely he returns at that price.

In 2022, Walker has been nothing short of elite. The Mets' right-hander has a 7-2 record with a 2.63 ERA through his first 15 starts. He's fanned 68 batters and walked 23 while surrendering just 4 home runs across 85.2 innings on the mound.

At 29 years old, if Walker keeps this up, he could be one of the most sought-after pitchers in free agency next year, and would be looking at a significantly larger contract than the $6 million he'd make with the Mets in 2023.

While nothing is officially confirmed regarding Walker's future, the move to join forces with Boras doesn't bode well for a return to Queens.