Taijuan Walker
Taijuan Walker had a terrible season, with multiple IL stints amid his lack of production. The 32-year-old finished the year with a 7.10 ERA and a 1.72 WHIP, both career-highs. Thomson moved him out of the starting rotation to the bullpen following his Aug. 28 start against the Houston Astros.
Walker made one more start on Sept. 19 versus the Mets in which he surrendered a season-high eight earned runs and four home runs in only 3 1/3 innings. He did not appear with the Phillies in the playoffs for the second straight season.
Dombrowski said previously in October that Walker will need to compete in spring training to earn the fifth spot in the Phillies' rotation. That is if he remains on their roster by mid-February. Philadelphia tried to acquire Chicago White Sox starter Garrett Crotchet at the trade deadline, but the front office did not want to part with their top pitching prospect, Andrew Painter, in a deal. Philly continues to be included in trade rumors this offseason for the 25-year-old lefty.
The issue with trading Walker is his contract. He is due $18 million in 2025 and 2026. Philadelphia may need to absorb some of that money if they decide to include him in a deal. The front office may look to free agency to address the backend of their rotation.
Painter, who returned from Tommy John surgery to pitch in the Arizona Fall League, could be a future option in the rotation. The talented youngster earned the AFL Pitcher of the Year Award. However, the fan base should not count on him to open the 2025 regular season with Philadelphia.
If Thomson did not have enough confidence in Walker to use him out of the bullpen during the 2023 playoffs, the pitcher did not give the manager any reason to consider using him during the NLDS with his struggles this year. Dombrowski should explore trading the Shreveport, Louisiana, native this winter.
José Alvarado
Hard-throwing left-hander José Alvarado started 2024 well and looked like the club's best option to close games regularly. He was coming off of a year in which he posted a career-low 1.74 ERA in 42 contests. However, he became more erratic beginning in July of this season.
Thomson continued to use Alvarado longer than he should have in high-leverage situations while the left-hander worked through his struggles. He finished July with an awful 8.31 ERA and posted an ERA of 4.66 in August.
Following his blown save versus the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 19, Alvarado did not receive another save opportunity for the rest of the season. The acquisition of Estévez and his play contributed to his lack of closing opportunities.
Alvárado has one more year under contract for $9 million before his club option of the same amount is due in 2026. He will likely remain on the roster to start the 2025 season, and he may earn a setup role. However, as is normal with many relievers, he has demonstrated his tendency to be inconsistent during his four years with Philadelphia.
The Phillies could be active in free agency to sign a new closer if Estévez does not return. The continued emergence of Orion Kerkering also puts pressure on Alvárado for a role in late innings with the club.
Could the Phillies move Alvárado following his inconsistent season? The team may look to makeover its bullpen following its disastrous performance in the postseason versus the Mets. He may not be an obvious candidate to be moved this winter, but Philly should be open to it. If he struggles during the 2025 season, they may look to move him by the summer's trade deadline. They should look to trade him rather than not picking up his club option next offseason.