Phillies Predicted to Part Ways with $72 Million All-Star Ace

Zack Wheeler expected to replace Taijuan Walker in Phillies' rotation upon return from injury

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:08pm

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The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to part ways with starting pitcher Taijuan Walker, who signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the team in 2023 but has underperformed. Once Zack Wheeler returns from injury, he is predicted to take Walker's spot in the starting rotation.

Why it matters

The Phillies' decision to move on from Walker could signal a shift in their pitching strategy as they look to maximize their roster and contend in the NL East. This move could also open the door for the team to call up one of their top pitching prospects, Andrew Painter, to fill the void in the rotation.

The details

According to FanSided's Christopher Kline, the Phillies "came to almost instantly regret signing Taijuan Walker to a four-year, $72 million contract." Last season, Walker posted a 5-8 record with a 4.08 ERA, 86 strikeouts, and a 1.407 WHIP over 123 innings pitched. With Zack Wheeler on the "rehab fast-track," the Phillies are expected to move Walker out of the rotation, potentially using him as a swingman in the bullpen or trading him to another team.

  • Taijuan Walker will begin the 2026 season in the Phillies' rotation.
  • Zack Wheeler is on the "rehab fast-track" and expected to return to the Phillies' rotation soon.

The players

Taijuan Walker

A starting pitcher who signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Phillies in 2023 but has underperformed, posting a 5-8 record with a 4.08 ERA last season.

Zack Wheeler

The Phillies' All-Star ace who is currently injured but expected to return to the rotation soon, likely replacing Taijuan Walker.

Andrew Painter

One of the Phillies' top pitching prospects who could be called up to fill the void in the rotation if Walker is moved.

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What they’re saying

“The Phillies came to almost instantly regret signing Taijuan Walker to a four-year, $72 million contract. He's in year four of that contract now, however, which could mean a solid beginning to the campaign opens the door to substantive trade talks…Walker will begin 2026 in Philadelphia's rotation, but he's primed to lose his spot sooner than later with Zack Wheeler on the rehab fast-track.”

— Christopher Kline, FanSided Writer

What’s next

The Phillies will need to decide whether to trade Taijuan Walker or move him to the bullpen once Zack Wheeler returns from injury.

The takeaway

The Phillies' decision to part ways with Taijuan Walker, their $72 million All-Star pitcher, highlights the team's need to optimize their roster and make tough decisions to contend in the NL East. This move could open the door for the team to call up a top prospect like Andrew Painter and signals a shift in the Phillies' pitching strategy.