Phillies could keep $72 million former All-Star off 2025 roster

The Philadelphia Phillies had a disappointing postseason after a very strong regular season. They added Jesús Luzardo this offseason, and that could mean the end of the line for a struggling All-Star.

While listing players who have not yet earned their spot on the Phillies roster, FanSided's Edward Eng noted that Taijuan Walker may have to fight to earn his spot on the team.

"Walker vowed to work with the Phillies to get his game back on track this offseason, but whether or not he will be successful in doing so will be another story," wrote Eng. "One thing is for sure: the Phillies’ acquisition of Luzardo this offseason all but rules out Walker’s chances of returning to the rotation this upcoming year. That leaves him with just a relief role to challenge for, but with a career 4.56 ERA and 1.61 WHIP coming out of the bullpen, despite a small sample size, things are not looking optimistic for the 32-year-old veteran. As a result, Walker will need a huge training camp to reinstil confidence in his team and teammates if he wants to further his career with the Phillies."

Walker was an All-Star in 2021 and signed a four-year, $72 million deal in 2023. Last season he had a 7.10 ERA in 19 games. The Phillies rotation already has Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Christopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez and Luzardo.

Walker may not have a spot in the rotation anyway. However, if he cannot prove his value as at least a reliever he could be playing elsewhere next season.

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