Taijuan Walker: A Critical Spring Training
Sunday marked a significant day for the Phillies, as it was a split-squad affair, with half the team in Clearwater and the other half in Dunedin. While the Clearwater lineup included notable names like Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, and J.T. Realmuto, with Cristopher Sanchez taking the mound, the real spotlight was on Taijuan Walker’s first spring start in Dunedin. Manager Rob Thomson’s presence at Walker’s game underscores the importance of this particular outing. Walker, with two years and $36 million left on his contract, is facing a tough battle to secure a spot on the 26-man roster. The Phillies’ rotation is already stacked with five starters, and the bullpen has limited openings, possibly only one for a long reliever.
Walker’s Velocity Boost
In his first inning, Walker allowed a leadoff single to Bo Bichette and a solo home run to Daulton Varsho, but the most encouraging aspect was his velocity. His four-seam fastballs were clocked at 93.7, 93.9, 92.6, 93.2, 92.4, 92.1, and 92.2 mph, while his sinkers hit 93.5, 92.8, 92.4, 92.5, and 93.0 mph. This is a notable improvement from his 2024 spring training, where his four-seamer and sinker averaged just 89 mph. The increased velocity is crucial, as it reflects Walker’s efforts to regain the form that made him a reliable pitcher in 2023. While it’s only early March and Walker threw for just two innings, his performance aligns more closely with his better years, providing a glimmer of hope for his 2025 season.
A Turnaround Plan in Action
Walker’s resurgence in velocity can be attributed to a rigorous offseason plan that the Phillies and he agreed upon. The 2024 season was a low point for Walker, with his pitch speeds falling and his effectiveness diminishing. Instead of cutting ties, which would have been a costly move given his contract, the organization decided to invest in his improvement. Walker started his intense training regimen just a few weeks after the playoffs concluded, pushing himself to the limit by mid-December. This aggressive approach has been paying off, as evidenced by his performance on Sunday. Manager Rob Thomson expressed his pride in Walker’s dedication, noting that he looks even better this year in spring training compared to his successful 2023 campaign. Thomson highlighted Walker’s improved physical movements, athleticism, and the quality of his pitches, particularly his splitter and breaking ball.
Competition and Challenges
Despite the positive signs, Walker’s path to a roster spot is far from guaranteed. He faces stiff competition from within the organization and from non-roster invitees. Max Lazar, known for his consistency, is a strong contender, along with offspeed specialist Nabil Crismatt, sidearmer Jose Cuas, hard-throwing John McMillon, and Japanese right-hander Koyo Aoyagi. Each of these pitchers brings unique skills to the table, making the decision process for the Phillies’ coaching staff all the more challenging. Additionally, the possibility of a spring trade looms large. If another team needs a starter and is impressed by Walker’s performance, they might be willing to take on a portion of his remaining contract, which could be a tempting proposition for the Phillies.
The Importance of Spring Training
For many players, spring training is a time to shake off the rust and prepare for the season, but for Walker, it is a critical proving ground. His performance over the next few weeks will determine whether he earns a spot on the season-opening roster. The Phillies, though not as desperate for starting pitchers as they were in 2024, still value the experience and potential Walker brings to the table. Veteran swingman Joe Ross and a cadre of promising minor league prospects, including Tyler Phillips, Kyle Tyler, Alan Rangel, Seth Johnson, Mick Abel, and Andrew Painter, provide depth in the starting rotation and bullpen. However, Walker’s track record and the potential for him to improve further make him a viable candidate for a spot start or a reliever role early in the season.
A Stake in the Outcome
The significance of Walker’s spring training performance cannot be overstated. The Phillies have a significant financial investment in him, and they are hoping that his renewed velocity and improved form will translate into a productive 2025 season. Thomson’s comments reflect the team’s optimism, suggesting that Walker has not only physically improved but has also made strides in his mental and mechanical aspects of pitching. As the spring progresses, the coaching staff will be watching closely, evaluating Walker’s consistency and his ability to handle the competition. For Walker, the stakes are high, and his determination to succeed is palpable. If he can maintain or build on his current form, he stands a good chance of making a meaningful contribution to the Phillies’ pitching staff this season.
