BREAKING: Phillies, Taijuan Walker agree to 4-year deal

The Phillies have agreed to a 4-year, $72M contract with free-agent pitcher Taijuan Walker, according to multiple reports.

Phillies and Taijuan Walker Agree to 4-Year Contract

Taijuan Walker's deal with the Philadelphia Phillies is for four years and $72 million, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 7, 2022

Taijuan Walker has spent the last two seasons with the Mets, with 2022 being a way better year for him, lowering his ERA by a whole point between the two years. Walker tallied a 3.49 in 2022 with 132 Ks and an ERA+ of 111 in 29 starts (157 innings).

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Walker has a 6-pitch arsenal, highlighted by his 4-seam fastball. His next big pitch is his split-finger, in addition to a slider, sinker, curveball, and the occasional cutter. With the loss of Kyle Gibson and Zach Eflin to the rotation, the Phillies went out and got a #4 who can eat up innings and give you many quality starts.

It’s nice to see Dave Dombrowski throw around money as he continues to prove that the Phillies are here to win for a long time. The team still needs to fill out their bullpen for the upcoming season, but they now have their #4 arm locked up for the next four seasons.

It Seems Like Walker is Excited to Join the Phillies

pic.twitter.com/VyJ2UZRGuf

— Taijuan Walker (@tai_walker) December 7, 2022