Taijuan Walker
Finally, we have the tumultuous and unpredictable Taijuan Walker as the fourth candidate who could be on thin ice entering the 2025 season. Just two years ago, perhaps no one would have envisioned such a scenario, especially after the Phillies signed him to a massive four-year, $72 million contract during the 2022-23 offseason.
Walker was coming off one of the best seasons of his MLB career with the Mets at the time, as he posted a stellar 12-5 record with a 3.49 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, with 132 strikeouts in 157 1/3 innings pitched over 29 starts in 2022. At just the young age of 29 at the time, the Phillies totally expected him to be a reliable middle rotation arm behind Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, and be able to put up similar numbers or better as he headed into his prime.
Walker did stand out during his first season in 2023 with Philadelphia, leading the club in wins with 15. However, his lack of consistency at times with his control and command led to a more disappointing 4.38 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in the process. That speckle of doubt in his ability carried over into the postseason as the Phillies didn’t end up deploying him during their playoff run that year.
However, that paled in comparison to his disastrous 2024 campaign in which he put up the worst numbers of his professional baseball career. In 19 appearances that included 15 starts, Walker amassed a dismal 3-7 record with a 7.10 ERA and 1.72 WHIP, giving up a whopping 66 earned runs, including 24 home runs, along with 37 walks and just 58 strikeouts in 83 2/3 innings. Whether he pitched as a starter, or later when he was relegated to the bullpen late in the season, nothing appeared to work for the 32-year-old right-hander.
Despite the huge drop-off, the Phillies haven’t totally given up on Walker just yet, having worked with him on a pitching program during the offseason. In fact, he has even shown some visible promise in getting his game back on track so far with a “smooth” look to start spring training.
Phillies camp is open. Taijuan Walker is throwing his first official bullpen of the spring. pic.twitter.com/miir5vc4Ww
— Jim Salisbury (@JimSalisbury215) February 12, 2025
With such a huge contract remaining, it would be tough for Philadelphia to not give him at least one more chance instead of just burying him in the minors. Therefore, like it or not, Walker will be with the Phillies on Opening Day as a reliever, barring any setbacks. But just as the situation with Ruiz, with the Phillies having added some serviceable arms this offseason who could potentially surprise in 2025, any slight faltering by Walker could ultimately end his tenure with the club for good.