When signing any contract with a player in Major League Baseball, an organization is betting on the fact that the player will provide significant contributions to the team, whether it be for the short- or long-term. Sometimes, the deal works out beyond expectations, helping the team to much success.
Other times, the player doesn't turn out to be as productive as expected, thus impacting the team in terms of overall performance. In some cases, the contract may be so big that it also hinders the club’s financial ability to make any moves to help improve the team.
3 concerning contracts the Phillies need to unload any way they can
The Philadelphia Phillies have given out some huge contracts in recent years to help build the team that they have today. However, some of those deals could start weighing down on the Phillies in the near future. As a result, let’s take a look at three contracts that the Phillies need to unload in any way they can to ensure sustainable success in the upcoming years.
Taijuan Walker
One of the contracts that automatically comes to mind right away is that of starting pitcher Taijuan Walker. It wasn’t too long ago when the Phillies inked Walker to a massive four-year, $72 million deal during the 2022-2023 offseason, hoping that he would become the solution to the back end of their rotation for years to come.
Walker did put together a respectable first season with his new club when he posted a team-high 15 wins in 2023. However, his less impressive 4.38 ERA and 1.31 WHIP, while displaying control issues from time to time, left a lot to be desired. That worry about his effectiveness became prominent enough that he didn’t end up getting a start during the Phillies’ 2023 postseason run.
But that was nothing compared to his disaster of a season in 2024. Walker compiled career-worst numbers across the board, registering a 7.10 ERA and 1.72 WHIP, while giving up 66 earned runs, including 24 home runs, with 37 walks and 58 strikeouts in 83 2/3 innings. Whether he pitched as a starter, or later in the bullpen, there appeared to be no improvement in sight.
Walker is hoping for a bounce back this upcoming season by working on his game during this offseason. But with the Phillies’ big acquisition of Jesús Luzardo, it all but eliminates any chance of Walker returning to the rotation for 2025. So to have $18 million for the next two seasons dedicated to a struggling pitcher who will only appear in relief just does not make any sense. There is no question that Walker’s contract should be one the Phillies dispose of as soon as possible.