The Philadelphia Phillies are facing some important decisions heading into next season, especially concerning their starting rotation. While they managed to stay competitive in 2024, their struggles in securing a reliable fifth starter, particularly with Taijuan Walker, have become a concern. Although Walker’s poor performance didn’t necessarily cost them a playoff spot, the Phillies know they can’t continue to operate with such uncertainty in their rotation if they hope to contend for a championship next year.
Despite the emergence of superstar prospect Andrew Painter, who will eventually be called up, the Phillies will still need a stable rotation, and Walker’s $36 million contract over the next two seasons is a significant burden. This hefty price tag has made him a target of criticism, and according to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, Walker is now seen as having one of the worst contracts in Major League Baseball.
The High Cost of a Struggling Starter
Walker, who signed a multi-year deal with the Phillies, was expected to provide stability to the rotation. However, the 2024 season was far from kind to him. His performance was a major disappointment, and the Phillies’ failure to find consistent production from him left them scrambling to find alternatives for the fifth spot in the rotation. While they had no shortage of pitchers to experiment with, none could lock down the job, leaving the rotation vulnerable.
With $36 million owed to him over the next two years, Walker’s contract has quickly become a financial headache for the team. His inability to perform at even a competent level—let alone as a reliable starter—has raised doubts about whether he can justify that large salary. Even in a bullpen role, his performance has been insufficient, making him one of the more problematic contracts in baseball.
Walker’s Decline: What Went Wrong?
The steep decline in Walker’s performance can be attributed to several factors. His fastball has lost considerable velocity, and his signature splitter no longer has the movement needed to consistently get big league hitters out. This combination has made him ineffective on the mound, as evidenced by his struggles throughout the 2024 campaign.
Moreover, personal issues and health concerns added to his struggles. Walker entered Spring Training not fully prepared, and his time away from the team due to these matters further hindered his ability to regain his form. While the Phillies may hope for a turnaround in 2025, it’s not guaranteed that he will be able to bounce back to the level of performance that earned him All-Star honors earlier in his career.
Hope for a Comeback
Despite the grim outlook, there is still a glimmer of hope for Walker. The best-case scenario would be for him to return to his previous All-Star form, providing solid innings and contributing to the rotation in a meaningful way. Given the Phillies’ pitching depth, a possible option could be using a six-man rotation, which could help take some pressure off stars like Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, especially before the postseason.
However, this would require significant improvement from Walker, and his track record in 2024 gives little reason to believe that such a change is imminent. His past performance raises questions about whether his struggles are permanent or simply the result of a combination of unfortunate circumstances.
A Questionable Situation for the Phillies
The situation that the Phillies now find themselves in is far from ideal. Walker, once seen as a reliable starter, is now viewed as a player with one of the worst contracts in Major League Baseball. This leaves the team in a difficult position, with substantial financial resources tied up in a player who has not performed up to expectations. While the Phillies will give Walker another shot in Spring Training, they can’t afford to rely on him for too long if his struggles continue.
In the meantime, Philadelphia is exploring other options to shore up their rotation. Rumors have circulated about the possibility of a blockbuster trade for Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox, but the high asking price for him may prevent that deal from happening. With Andrew Painter still recovering from Tommy John surgery and on an innings limit, the Phillies’ pitching staff remains a work in progress as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Ultimately, while the hope remains that Taijuan Walker can turn things around, the Phillies are unlikely to enter next season with much confidence in him unless a dramatic change occurs. If he continues to underperform, his contract will only be more of a burden as the team looks to strengthen its rotation for the future.
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