Phillies news and rumors 12/6: Rob Thomson says ‘everything is good’ with Taijuan Walker

Taijuan Walker has three years remaining on his deal with the Phillies. (Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire)

Despite frustration with his role — or lack thereof — during the Philadelphia Phillies postseason run, manager Rob Thomson says that the air has been cleared between him and RHP Taijuan Walker.

“We were texting back and fourth. Everything is good, everything is good,” Thomson said Tuesday at the MLB Winter Meetings in Nashville.

“Taijuan is a great guy … I love his competitiveness … I love the way he works … he’s a great teammate … there’s no issues there.”

After signing a four-year/$72 million free-agent deal with the Phillies last offseason, Walker went 15-6 with a 4.38 ERA and 4.53 FIP across 172 2/3 innings pitched in 2023.

However, Walker struggled with his velocity early in outings, which contributed to his 7.04 ERA in the first inning of his 31 starts. The 31-year-old was on the roster for all three rounds of the postseason, but never appeared in a game.

Walker’s social media activity after the Phillies were eliminated — specifically in regards to criticisms of Thomson — wasn’t lost on, well, anyone.

However, Walker’s presence on X — the social media platform formerly known as Twitter — has consisted mostly of him sharing food and pet pictures over the last month plus.

The reality is that Walker is owed $54 million over the next three seasons, so he was never going anywhere. And there is value in a pitcher has five seasons of 150+ innings on his resume, specifically over the course of a 162-game regular season. But unless he corrects early-game velocity issues, Walker will likely be phased out in the postseason again next year, assuming the Phillies make it there.

MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION

  1. It Will Be The Red Jerseys The Phillies Ditch In 2024
  2. Phillies Reportedly Not Involved In Juan Soto Trade Discussions
  3. 7 Free-Agent Relievers Phillies Could Consider To Round Out Bullpen
  4. Angels GM: ‘Mike Trout Is Not Getting Traded, 100%’
  5. John Middleton: ‘I Want Bryce Harper To Always Wear A Phillies Uniform’
  6. Phillies Projected To Be Over Luxury Tax In 2024 Following Aaron Nola Signing
  7. The 10 Greatest Left-Handed Hitters In Phillies History
  8. Bryce Harper’s Top 5 Home Runs Of 2023
  9. Report: Phillies, Zack Wheeler Have Discussed Extension
  10. Here’s How Much The Braves And Dodgers Were Willing To Offer Aaron Nola
https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1669299237
Share
Tim Kelly

Tim Kelly was the Editorial Director of Phillies Nation from June 2018 through October 2024. You can follow him on social media @TimKellySports.

Get throwback Phillies styles from Shibe Vintage Sports in Center City Philly