The Philadelphia Phillies entered the 2024 season with championship ambitions, but those hopes were dashed after being eliminated by the New York Mets in the NLDS. As the team prepares for 2025, roster changes are imminent, and one question looms: will starting pitcher Taijuan Walker remain on the team?
President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski bolstered the rotation by acquiring left-hander from the Miami Marlins. Luzardo is expected to join a rotation anchored by Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, and Cristopher Sánchez, according to FanGraphs’ Roster Resource. This development appears to leave Walker without a clear role.
FanSided’s Mark Powell predicts that Walker, now 32, may not return to Philadelphia for 2025. “Dombrowski has suggested Walker will get a chance to compete for a rotation spot in spring training or possibly a long-relief role, but the addition of Luzardo makes that unlikely,” Powell wrote. He also noted the anticipated return of Andrew Painter, who could debut in the majors this season. Powell argues that Walker no longer fits into the Phillies’ long-term plans and would benefit from joining a team better suited to accommodate his contract.
Walker, who signed a four-year, $72 million deal before the 2023 season, has struggled with a 5.27 ERA across two seasons in Philadelphia, including a 7.10 ERA over 83 2/3 innings in 2024. He is set to earn $18 million annually in 2025 and 2026, per Spotrac.
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