Sunday marked a split-squad day for the Phillies, one of just two during spring training. While key players like Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, and J.T. Realmuto remained in Clearwater, facing live game action alongside starter Cristopher Sánchez, the real focus was in Dunedin. There, manager Rob Thomson kept a close watch on Taijuan Walker’s first spring appearance a crucial outing for a pitcher fighting to solidify his place on the roster.
Despite being under contract for two more seasons at $36 million, Walker’s role with the Phillies remains uncertain. The starting rotation is already set, and with only one bullpen spot available, he must prove his worth to secure a place on the 26-man roster.
Walker’s performance was a mixed bag early on, allowing a leadoff single to Bo Bichette and a solo home run to Daulton Varsho in the first inning. However, the most promising sign was his velocity his fastball and sinker sat between 93-94 mph, a significant jump from last spring when both pitches averaged just 89 mph. His four-seam fastball registered between 92.1 and 93.9 mph, while his sinker ranged from 92.4 to 93.5 mph.
Compared to his struggles in 2024, when diminished velocity plagued his entire season and led to his worst performance as a pro, this early showing suggests a return to form. Though it was just two innings on March 2, Walker’s numbers aligned more closely with his 2023 campaign, when he won 15 games.
His second inning was smooth, retiring George Springer on a lineout, inducing a soft tapper from Andrés Giménez, and striking out Alejandro Kirk.
Unlike last season, the Phillies have greater pitching depth, reducing the urgency for Walker to return to top form. Along with their set rotation, they have veteran Joe Ross as a swingman and multiple arms in the upper minors, including Tyler Phillips, Kyle Tyler, Alan Rangel, Seth Johnson, and top prospects Mick Abel and Andrew Painter. Still, if an early-season need arises, Walker could be among the first options to step in.
Despite speculation about his future, releasing Walker never made financial sense given his hefty contract. Instead, both he and the organization committed to an aggressive offseason plan, beginning just weeks after the postseason ended, to regain lost velocity. By mid-December, he was already throwing at max effort a commitment that now appears to be paying off.
Manager Rob Thomson has taken notice.
“I’m so proud of him, the work that he’s put in,” Thomson said last week. “I mean, he looks better than he did the year he won 15 games (2023) at this point in time. Just physically, his movements, athleticism. The ball’s coming out hot and the splitter’s fantastic. He’s landing his breaking ball. He was good that year in spring training, but I think he’s better this year.”
Walker is competing for the final spot on the Phillies’ pitching staff alongside Max Lazar, plus non-roster invitees like crafty righty Nabil Crismatt, sidearmer José Cuas, flamethrower John McMillon, and Japanese veteran Koyo Aoyagi.
Of course, there’s always the possibility of a spring trade. If another team in need of a starter is impressed by Walker’s progress and willing to take on a portion of his salary, the Phillies might be open to moving him.
For many players, spring training is a tune-up. For Walker, it’s a battle for his future.
