I don't know why they walk so many. It's like they are nibbling at the plate rather than challenging the hitters. Maddox and Glavine would walk hitters rather than give in. But these guys walk hitters without trying to make them hit it.
And I would like to see the statistics on two strike hits given up.
Walks AND strikeouts seem to be up dramatically across MLB.
My theory is that it has lot to do with modern defensive deployments. When you're shifting the infield for nearly every hitter, the pitcher is under more pressure to nibble at the corners so the ball is hit to the desired side. When they're not hitting their spots...they walk 14 guys.
Meanwhile, hitters are increasingly trying to hit the ball OVER the shift rather than away from it. This is why BS stats like launch angle and exit velocity have become a thing. Thus, they're swinging and missing far more often.
If you couldn't tell, I don't really like what the modern game has become.