Phillies release Walker in final season of 4-year deal
The Philadelphia Phillies released right-hander Taijuan Walker on Thursday, the team announced.
Walker was in the final season of a four-year, $72-million contract he signed prior to the 2023 campaign. The 33-year-old was owed $18 million this season.
He posted a 5.12 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 6.7 K/9 in 89 appearances (71 starts) during parts of four seasons with Philadelphia.
He's struggled to begin 2026, allowing an MLB-worst 23 earned runs. He sits second in the majors in homers allowed with eight.
Walker's best season with the Phillies was his debut campaign in which he won 15 games and tossed 172 2/3 innings. His 14-year career includes previous stints with the Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets.
The Phillies have lost eight straight games and are tied with the New York Mets for the worst record in baseball.