The Phillies announced on Thursday that they have let go of pitcher Taijuan Walker.
Walker is currently in the final season of a four-year, $72 million contract. He has posted a 9.13 ERA this year. Before deciding to release him, the Phillies attempted various adjustments, such as altering his pregame preparation and using an opener during Wednesday’s 7–2 defeat to the Cubs.
“He’s contributed positively in many ways and has proven himself as a veteran major league pitcher,” said Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations. “He’s given it his all. It just hasn’t worked out for him this past year.”
Walker’s time with the Phillies ultimately fell short of the expectations set when he signed in December 2022. Over the regular season, he recorded a 5.12 ERA across 402 2/3 innings. He made just one playoff appearance, pitching two-thirds of an inning in last year’s NLDS Game 3.
His performance worsened in 2026. Walker’s average fastball velocity dropped to 91.8 mph, and he struggled to generate swings and misses. His 16.8% whiff rate ranks in the bottom 8% of MLB pitchers.
“It’s strictly about performance. … He’s one of the best teammates and people I’ve ever been around,” said Phillies manager Rob Thomson. “I hope people realize he always accepted the ball, never turned it down, always faced questions after games, and ate up innings when our bullpen was short. He’s a true professional, and honestly, I’m going to miss him.”
In Wednesday’s loss the Phillies’ eighth straight Walker gave up four earned runs over four innings. Zack Wheeler is set to return from the injured list for his season debut on Saturday. The Phillies considered shifting Walker to the bullpen once Wheeler rejoined the rotation but decided it wasn’t a good fit.
“Maybe a change of scenery will help him. I can’t say for sure, but we did try to trade his contract at various points, with no success,” Dombrowski added.
Despite his struggles, Walker stayed in the rotation due to the team’s limited starting pitching depth. Alan Rangel threw three innings Wednesday, allowing one earned run, and was sent back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Nolan Hoffman was called up.
Rangel owns a 1.66 ERA over four Triple-A starts this year with 18 strikeouts. Thomson also mentioned 24-year-old Jean Cabrera and minor league signing Bryse Wilson as other potential options. Cabrera has a 9.00 ERA, and Wilson an 8.83 ERA at Triple-A this season.
“We felt we had Rangel, who pitched well for us, and other guys in the minors,” Dombrowski said. “Rather than moving Walker to the bullpen which hasn’t suited him we decided to give someone else that relief spot.”
The Phillies still owe the 33-year-old Walker $15.3 million for the rest of the season, minus a prorated share of the league minimum if another team picks him up. They are also still paying Nick Castellanos, now with San Diego, who had $20 million left when Philadelphia released him in February.
“Those are long-term contracts that ended up in this situation,” Dombrowski said. “It’s unfortunate it didn’t work out this past year, but they did plenty of good things for us as well.”
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