The Phillies' decision on Taijuan Walker is becoming increasingly complicated by the day. The team signed Walker to a four-year, $72 million deal before the 2023 regular season, hoping he would provide a stable presence in their starting rotation. However, his performance has been underwhelming, and now it's unclear whether keeping him on the roster or getting rid of him for good is the best move.
On one hand, Walker's recent form has shown promise. He posted a 4.08 ERA last season and even had a decent stint out of the bullpen with a 3.25 ERA in 20 innings pitched. This could suggest that he would be better suited as a long reliever or middle reliever, freeing up space for more established starters.
On the other hand, Walker's contract is a major obstacle. He currently ranks as the 30th highest-paid pitcher in Major League Baseball and was paid more than Cris Sánchez and Ranger Suárez combined last season. With guaranteed contracts making it difficult to make changes, the Phillies are unlikely to trade him or cut him loose without taking on the entire $18 million salary.
The real question is whether Walker can carve out a niche for himself in 2026. If he can maintain his recent form and prove that he's more than just a long reliever, it may be worth keeping around. However, if he struggles to replicate last season's success, his spot on the roster might become even more tenuous.
The Phillies are facing a tough decision, one that could have significant implications for their pitching staff. While they're unlikely to get anything in return for Walker through trade, exploring options like paying part of his salary or sending him and a prospect to a team with payroll to burn might be the best way forward. Ultimately, it's unclear whether Walker will remain on the Phillies' roster come next season – one thing is certain: his contract has become an albatross.
On one hand, Walker's recent form has shown promise. He posted a 4.08 ERA last season and even had a decent stint out of the bullpen with a 3.25 ERA in 20 innings pitched. This could suggest that he would be better suited as a long reliever or middle reliever, freeing up space for more established starters.
On the other hand, Walker's contract is a major obstacle. He currently ranks as the 30th highest-paid pitcher in Major League Baseball and was paid more than Cris Sánchez and Ranger Suárez combined last season. With guaranteed contracts making it difficult to make changes, the Phillies are unlikely to trade him or cut him loose without taking on the entire $18 million salary.
The real question is whether Walker can carve out a niche for himself in 2026. If he can maintain his recent form and prove that he's more than just a long reliever, it may be worth keeping around. However, if he struggles to replicate last season's success, his spot on the roster might become even more tenuous.
The Phillies are facing a tough decision, one that could have significant implications for their pitching staff. While they're unlikely to get anything in return for Walker through trade, exploring options like paying part of his salary or sending him and a prospect to a team with payroll to burn might be the best way forward. Ultimately, it's unclear whether Walker will remain on the Phillies' roster come next season – one thing is certain: his contract has become an albatross.
... I mean, what if he just needs a change of scenery or something? He's definitely shown some promise lately, but at the same time, I don't know if it's worth keeping him on the roster considering his huge contract 
. I think it would be cool to see him try out as a long reliever or middle reliever, that way they could get some value out of him even if he's not a starter anymore 
. But on the other hand, can you imagine trying to trade someone with a contract like his? It's just gonna make it hard for them to get anything in return 
. Ugh, I don't know what to think about this one... maybe Walker will surprise us and have an amazing season next year 
. Newsflash: it ain't happening, mate! They need to cut their losses and look for someone who can actually deliver on the deal 
He's got some decent numbers out of the bullpen, which might help, but that contract? Forget about it 
Walker's contract is like a big ol' weight 
maybe it'll be worth it 
But $18 million is just crazy 
he's got some great stuff but that contract is weighing him down so much 
maybe the Phillies just need to give him another chance? 
maybe they cud try signing him to a smaller deal 4 a shorter period & see how it plays out? or even just use him as a long reliever & not worry bout his $72 mil salary 
. I know, I know, it's better than his 4.08 ERA as a starter, but still... it feels like he's not really living up to the hype, you feel? 
On the other hand, $18 million is just, like, a lot of cash 
But let's be real, his $18 million salary is like, wow... that's a lot of cash for someone who might just be a long reliever 
? I dunno, it's a tough call, but one thing's for sure: Walker's contract is like an albatross around his neck... and Philly's gotta figure out how to make it work 
.
. It's like they're stuck with him and don't know what to do with his contract. Keeping him as a long reliever might be the way to go, but at what cost? 
Their pitching staff needs some stability, not more uncertainty. They should explore options like taking on some of his salary or sending him and a prospect to another team that can handle it 
. It's all about managing those contracts now!
. It's like, what happens when pitchers start asking for these kinds of deals? How are teams supposed to compete then? 
. Whatever they decide, it'll be tough to get anything in return for Walker through trade, so they might as well just try to make the best of it 
the phillies need to find a way to free up space without having to take on all that cash, maybe they could send him and a prospect to another team or pay some of his salary? 
. It's like trying to cut loose a bad habit - you gotta let go of the money tied to him or risk getting stuck in an even bigger mess 
. I'm thinkin' they should explore some creative solutions, like payin' part of his salary or sendin' him out to a team that needs a veteran arm. But at the same time, if he can't stay on form, they're stuck with a big ol' piece of dead money 
.