The Philadelphia Phillies haven’t had too many surprises in Spring Training. For a team that won the National League East division and expected to compete again next year, it’s also not a shock that most of the roster is set for Opening Day. But spring camp gives an opportunity for many players to surprise, including pitcher Taijuan Walker.
The 32-year-old was a disappointment in the second year of a four-year, $72 million contract last season and it was so bad, he wasn’t guaranteed a roster spot entering Spring Training. But as the Grapefruit League schedule has commenced, Walker’s resurgence has been one of the best storylines and made Phillies manager Rob Thomson make a revealing surprise of his own.
Rob Thomson Hints Taijuan Walker Could Crash Phillies Rotation
Thomson was asked by reporters about Walker’s spring where he’s allowed just one home run over a two-inning appearance in Grapefruit League action. While Thomson commended the work the embattled starter has put in this season, he also suggested that a spot in the starting rotation wasn’t out of the question if he continued to pitch like he has.
“Who knows? Jobs are up for grabs,” Thomson told The Athletic’s Matt Gelb. “The best guy is going to get it. …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 it usually works itself out.”
Walker had a disastrous 2024 season. His 7.10 ERA was the sixth-worst for a Phillies pitcher with a minimum of 100 innings since 1900. His average fastball velocity of 91.2 mph ranked in the 11th percentile according to Baseball Savant. Even that number is kind, considering that Walker struggled to reach 90 mph in most outings.
It was a season that Walker wanted to flush down the toilet. But it led him to a revamped approach to 2025.
Walker spent the opening weeks of the offseason in a weighted ball program designed to increase velocity and it paid off. He began Spring Training with an impressive batting practice session, striking out Bryson Stott, J.T. Realmuto and Max Kepler in five consecutive appearances and had a 93.9 mph fastball during Saturday’s outing against the Tampa Bay Rays.
All of this is encouraging, but it still might guarantee him a spot on the Opening Day roster. Zack Wheeler, Christopher Sánchez, Aaron Nola and Ranger Suárez are all locks for the rotation and the Phillies gave up prospects Starlyn Caba and outfielder Emaarion Boyd to acquire Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins.
Even if the Phillies wanted to keep Walker in a long relief role, it would take a reliever out of the bullpen. But there aren’t many candidates to be sent down as Orion Kerkering and Tanner Banks are the lone relievers with minor league options.
It leaves Thomson’s comments to assume two things. Either someone is going to get hurt or Walker will pitch well enough to entice a team to make a trade even if the Phillies eat most of the $36 million remaining on his deal.
It’s a situation that could have a resolution soon and could become more difficult if Walker continues to pitch like he has.