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.

"We know and he knows that he gave every effort that he possibly could to try to get people out and it just wasn't working," Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said, according to Matt Carlson of The Associated Press.

"Maybe a change of scenery will help him."

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.

"He's one of the best teammates and one of the best people I've been around," Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. "This guy's a pro, performance aside.

"He tried everything, being the opener and trying to get some velo back, which he did. It didn't work out, but it wasn't for a lack of effort on his part."

The Phillies dropped their ninth straight game Thursday with an 8-7 extra-inning loss to the Chicago Cubs and are now tied with the Kansas City Royals for the worst record in baseball.