5 Phillies on Thin Ice This Offseason

After a disappointing finish in the MLB postseason, these five Phillies players are on thin ice this offseason.

Oct 8, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) reacts to striking out in the eighth inning against the New York Mets during game three of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

3 of 5

3. Taijuan Walker

The Phillies will likely give Walker one more shot next season to make the starting rotation after he struggled mightily this season.

The veteran pitcher had a tough time on the mound, leading to Walker being demoted to the bullpen in August. Walker had a horrendous 7.10 ERA and couldn’t get out of the first inning unscathed.

The 32-year-old right-handed pitcher had a 6.60 ERA and allowed opponents to hit .312 to open up the game. Walker also struggled in the third inning this season with a 9.56 ERA. Opponents had a field day with the right-handed starter, hitting .386 and eight home runs.

That said, despite his struggles, Walker showed some improvement in the bullpen with a 4.50 ERA, which isn't anything to write home about. But hopefully, for the veteran, it’s something he can lean on and hopefully turn things around in 2025.

The Phillies could look to trade Walker this winter even though he’s owed $18 million in 2025 and ‘26. But they likely wouldn’t get much in return in a potential deal. Philadelphia’s fifth spot in the rotation will be one to watch next spring as Walker and top prospect Andrew Painter are the leading candidates for the job.

Home/Philadelphia Phillies