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Phillies Release Walker: $15M Paid for No Pitching
23 Apr
Summary
- Veteran pitcher Taijuan Walker was released by the Phillies.
- The team will pay Walker approximately $15 million.
- Walker had a 9.13 ERA in 22 2/3 innings pitched this season.
The Philadelphia Phillies have released veteran starting pitcher Taijuan Walker, marking a significant move amidst a challenging start to their season. Walker was paid approximately $15 million by the club to cease pitching for them for the remainder of the current season.
Walker's performance had become unsustainable, evidenced by a 9.13 earned run average across 22 2/3 innings, including eight home runs allowed. He was in the final year of a four-year contract valued at $72 million, a deal intended to provide stability in the team's rotation.
This decision impacts the Phillies' payroll, adding to the considerable dead money from other player contracts. With Zack Wheeler's return to the rotation imminent, Walker's role would have shifted to long relief. The team opted to cut ties rather than retain him as rotation insurance.
