The Philadelphia Phillies roster is largely set heading into Spring Training. But as usual, there are a few spots up for grabs.
One of the competitions is on the mound. Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suàrez and Jesús Luzardo are locked into the five rotation spots but many are looking for a bigger role in a bullpen headlined by free agent acquisition Jordan Romano and veteran southpaw Matt Strahm.
That group includes one hurler who is using their offseason adjustments to make a run at a roster spot and perhaps vouching for a bigger role with a strong start to Spring Training.
Taijuan Walker’s Strong Start Could Demand Bigger Role For Phillies in 2025
Taijuan Walker is already creating some buzz in Clearwater as the right-hander has come out of the gates strong to begin Spring Training. Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia pointed out that Walker’s role in the bullpen is uncertain after he went 3-7 with a 7.10 ERA last year, but looks noticeably better after going through a weighted ball program designed to increase velocity.
Seidman also noted that Walker’s new mechanics helped him have a big afternoon on Friday, striking out Bryson Stott, J.T. Realmuto and Max Kepler in five consecutive appearances during live batting practice. Phillies manager Rob Thomson didn’t reveal his exact velocity but told him he was throwing in excess of 92 mph during the session.
“I’m so proud of him, the work that he’s put in,” Thomson said. “I mean, he looks better than he did the year he won 15 games [in 2023] at this point in time. Just physically, his movements, athleticism. The ball’s coming out hot and the split’s fantastic. He’s landing his breaking ball. He was good that year in Spring Training but I think he’s better this year. It’s one thing to throw bullpens, but then when you go out there and punch out five guys in a row in a BP session, now you’ve really got confidence.”
Walker is entering the third year of a four-year, $72 million contract but the Phillies haven’t gotten a good return on their investment. In the first two seasons, the 32-year-old has posted an 18-13 record with a 5.27 ERA. His velocity was also a problem last year as his 91.2 mph fastball was in the 11th percentile of starting pitchers last season according to Baseball Savant.
By comparison Walker posted a 92.6 mph average fastball velocity during his 15-win season in 2023 and some more speed could help him earn a roster spot. But with the starting rotation and bullpen virtually locked up, Walker will face some fierce competition in Spring Training.