The Phillies have signed right-hander Taijuan Walker to a four-year contract, Phillies President of Baseball Operations David Dombrowski announced today.
Walker, 30, went 12-5 with a 3.49 ERA (61 ER, 157.1 IP) and 132 strikeouts while allowing just 0.86 home runs per 9.0 innings pitched (15 HR) in 29 starts with the New York Mets in 2022. He was one of seven National League pitchers to throw more than 155.0 innings while posting a sub-3.50 ERA and allowing 15 home runs or fewer this past season. In 12 day starts in 2022, Walker posted a 7-1 record with a 1.00 WHIP and 1.88 ERA (16 ER, 76.2 IP), which ranked third among NL pitchers (min. 40.0 IP). Prior to the All-Star break during the 2022 campaign, his 2.55 ERA ranked eighth among qualifying NL pitchers. In 14 starts against NL East clubs this past season, the righty was 6-1 with a 3.59 ERA (27 ER, 67.2 IP).
A 2021 NL All-Star, Walker was one of 17 major league pitchers to make at least 29 starts and toss at least 155.0 innings in each of the last two seasons (2021-22).
According to Statcast data, Walker threw his splitter 27.6 percent of the time this past season while limiting hitters to a .195 batting average and .267 slugging percentage against that offering, which was his second-most used pitch behind his four-seam fastball (29.5%). Additionally, he threw his cutter 166 times (6.6%) in 2022 and opponents had a .154 batting average and .269 slugging percentage against that pitch.
The 6-foot-4 veteran has pitched in 10 major league seasons for the Seattle Mariners (2013-16, 2020), Arizona Diamondbacks (2017-19), Toronto Blue Jays (2020) and Mets (2021-22). He is 54-50 with a 3.89 ERA in 167 career appearances (163 starts). Born in Louisiana, Walker was originally selected by Seattle in the first round (No. 43 overall) of the 2010 MLB Draft out of Yucaipa High School in California.
To make room for Walker on the club’s 40-man roster, right-hander Tayler Scott has been designated for assignment. Walker will wear No. 99.
