The Philadelphia Phillies granted unconditional release to starting pitcher Taijuan Walker on Thursday morning ahead of their series finale against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The move follows Walker's ongoing struggles, including a poor performance in relief of an opener the previous night. Philadelphia now owes Walker the remaining $18 million on his contract.
Philadelphia had tried multiple strategies to revive Taijuan Walker's performance, but determined on Thursday that no options remained. The right-hander, in the final year of a four-year, $72 million deal signed in December 2022, posted a 1-4 record with a 9.13 ERA over four starts and one relief outing this season, allowing 25 runs—23 earned—in 22⅔ innings. In Wednesday's 7-2 loss to the Cubs, his eighth straight defeat for the Phillies, Walker surrendered five runs (four earned) and two home runs after entering in the first inning behind an opener plan that backfired with hard contact throughout his outing. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said, “He was very thankful for the opportunity to be here, he wishes it would’ve turned out differently. We know, and he knows, that he gave every effort he possibly could to try to get people out. It just wasn’t working.” Manager Rob Thomson confirmed the decision was performance-based, adding, “He’s one of the best teammates and best people I’ve ever been around... This guy’s a pro, and I’m gonna miss him, to tell you the truth.” The release creates a roster spot as the Phillies head to Atlanta this weekend before activating Zack Wheeler from thoracic outlet syndrome for his Saturday start. Dombrowski noted the club had tried trading Walker at various points without success. Walker, who spent 2025 shuttling between rotation and bullpen, marks the second veteran released by Philadelphia in the final year of his deal, following Nick Castellanos in February.