It’s safe to say right-hander Taijuan Walker wasn’t too happy after the Philadelphia Phillies were eliminated by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Championship earlier this week, posting about “disrespect” and liking replies that were critical of his manager on social media following a playoff exit in which he did not make an appearance.
But Walker assured that he’s “not going anywhere” in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, vowing to bring a championship back to Philadelphia.
This season, the first in a four-year, $72 million deal between the Phillies and Walker, was an interesting one for the 31-year-old starter. He did what Taijuan Walker does, tossing 172 2/3 innings as he crossed the 150-inning threshold for the third year in a row. He racked up 15 wins while earning himself a Gold Glove nomination. He took the ball all regular season, and the Phillies succeeded when he did.
Still, Walker posted a 4.38 ERA in his 31 starts with a 7.04 ERA in the first inning of games. The Phillies didn’t seem to believe that was a formula for postseason success, so Walker did not make a playoff appearance despite being on the roster all October.
Once the team was bounced in the NLCS, Walker appeared to display some frustration with that decision by the team.
In their end-of-season press conferences, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and manager Rob Thomson both acknowledged their awareness of the original posts, but were not concerned by them. They lauded Walker’s competitiveness and desire to pitch, while Thomson insisted that his activity on social media would have no negative impact on his relationship with the player.
“Oh, not at all. Not one bit,” Thomson said . “People get emotional. He’s a competitive guy. I love Taijuan, I really do. This guy gave us 15 wins. Every time he goes out to the mound, he competes until we take him out. He never wants to come out. And I want a guy like that.
“So, that type of thing doesn’t bother me. I’ll call him at some point. But I love him. I love his demeanor. I love his toughness. I’m sure everything will be fine.”
Friday’s post by Walker may have been an indicator that everything really will be just fine. The righty will be a mainstay in the regular-season rotation, a key cog in potentially returning to the postseason for a third straight year in 2024. His commitment to the Phillies will be vital, and it certainly looks like they have it.
Must-read (or listen) Phillies content
- Even after an uneven defensive year by shortstop Trea Turner, the Phillies will keep the same defensive alignment in the middle infield. Tim Kelly has the story.
- The Phillies would like to keep Zack Wheeler in Philadelphia “for years to come.”
- Aaron Nola is the Phillies’ “top priority” this offseason. Destiny Lugardo has the story.
- The Phillies Therapy podcast with Paul Boye and The Athletic‘s Matt Gelb recapped the NLCS and looked forward to the upcoming offseason.
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