The Philadelphia Phillies faced an interesting dilemma with top star this spring.
Entering the third year of his four-year, $72 million contract, His future with the team was uncertain. After a disastrous 2024 season, where he lost his starting role, he came into spring training seemingly competing for a bullpen spot.
However, he has impressed Phillies manager Rob Thomson with his strong spring performance.
“I was really impressed,” Thomson said. “He’s put a lot of work in. I’m proud of him… Jobs are up for grabs. The best guy is going to get it.”
Not only is Thomson encouraged by his progress, but he also acknowledged that the right-hander could force his way back into the starting rotation.
“No, rotation,” Thomson clarified when asked about Walker’s role. “I mean, if somebody else doesn’t throw well and he’s throwing great, you know? Who knows what’s going to happen? We’ve got a ways to go yet. And usually, it works itself out.”
The Phillies’ projected rotation features Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, Jesús Luzardo, and Cristopher Sánchez. But with Walker’s resurgence, he could challenge one of them for a starting spot.
Walker struggled mightily in 2024, posting a 3-7 record with a 7.10 ERA across 19 appearances (15 starts). However, his strong showing in spring training is giving him a chance to rewrite his role in Philadelphia.
Walker Building up to be a Starter
Coming into spring training, Taijuan Walker was expected to compete for a bullpen spot with the Philadelphia Phillies.
However, the veteran right-hander has a different mindset—he’s preparing as a starter and hopes to earn a spot in the rotation.
“My thing is just to get built up like a starter and see where it goes,” Walker said. “Spring, it’s hard for everyone to stay healthy. So I’m going to be ready for any role.”
Walker also believes he’s a much better pitcher than what he showed last season and is eager to prove himself in 2025.
“It was really a bad year,” Walker admitted. “I feel like I’m a lot better pitcher than that. And I think today was kind of the start to where I’m getting back to my normal self.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his role, Walker is focused on performing at his best and letting the front office make the final call.
“The biggest thing for me is I can just control what I can control,” he said. “Go out there and get results. Pitch the best I can pitch. And whatever happens, happens. We have five really good pitchers. So my thing is just go out there, get outs. Just pitch as well as I can and leave it up to them.”
A 2021 All-Star, Walker is looking to bounce back after a tough 2024 season, and his strong spring training performance is making a case for him to reclaim a starting role.
Phillies Catcher Praises Walker
Not only is Taijuan Walker feeling better about his stuff, but his improvement has also been evident to his teammates.
Manager Rob Thomson has already praised Walker, and now catcher Rafael Marchán is taking notice as well. Marchán highlighted Walker’s renewed confidence on the mound, which could be a key factor in his resurgence.
“Since the first day of spring training, everything is looking good,” Marchán said. “Like, it’s jumping. His heater. His split is nasty. I mean, every pitch that he threw today was really good. I like the way that he’s been throwing the ball because he looked confident. He looked healthy. And that’s the most important thing. I’m happy for him and happy to see what he can do.”
With Opening Day set for March 27 against the Washington Nationals, Walker’s performance in the coming weeks could determine whether he secures a spot in the Phillies’ rotation or takes on a different role heading into the 2025 season.