Phillies Need to End Taijuan Walker Experiment Amid First-Inning Struggles

The $72 million pitcher has a brutal 8.40 ERA in the first inning this season, and it's time for the Phillies to move on.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:04pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted earth tones representing the fractured nature of Walker's performance for the Phillies.The Phillies' $72 million investment in Taijuan Walker has been a bust, as the pitcher's first-inning struggles continue to undermine the team's rotation.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Taijuan Walker to a four-year, $72 million contract in 2022, but the deal has been a disaster. Walker has struggled mightily, especially in the first inning, where he has an 8.40 ERA this season. With Walker's poor performance and the impending return of Zack Wheeler, the Phillies need to end the Taijuan Walker experiment and move on from the struggling pitcher.

Why it matters

The Phillies' investment in Walker has not paid off, and his continued struggles are hurting the team's chances of competing in the NL East. With a hefty contract and poor on-field production, the Phillies need to make a change to improve their pitching rotation and give themselves the best chance to win.

The details

Since signing with the Phillies, Walker has posted a 9.16 ERA this season and has produced -0.5 bWAR in just four starts. His first-inning struggles have been particularly problematic, with hitters batting .526 with a 1.052 slugging percentage against him in the opening frame. This is not sustainable, and the Phillies need to make a change, especially with Zack Wheeler set to return to the rotation.

  • Walker signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Phillies in December 2022.
  • This season, Walker has made four starts and gone 1-3 with a 9.16 ERA.

The players

Taijuan Walker

A 30-year-old right-handed pitcher who signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022.

Zack Wheeler

The Phillies' ace pitcher who is set to return to the rotation after being sidelined.

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What they’re saying

“Since signing a four-year, $72 million contract with the Phillies in December 2022, Taijuan Walker has yielded an 8.40 ERA in the first inning.”

— Bob Nightengale, USA Today reporter

What’s next

When Zack Wheeler returns from injury, the Phillies will need to make a decision on Walker's role, as his struggles have become unsustainable.

The takeaway

The Phillies' investment in Taijuan Walker has been a disappointment, and his continued struggles, especially in the first inning, have become a liability for the team. With Wheeler's return imminent, the Phillies need to seriously consider moving on from Walker and finding a more reliable option for their starting rotation.