Story by
Taijuan Walker Granted Released by Angels After Strong Minor League Performance
- Story by
- Taijuan Walker Granted Released by Angels After Strong Minor League Performance
Former Philadelphia Phillie and veteran right-handed pitcher Taijuan Walker was released from the Los Angeles Angels organization after signing a minor league contract on May 25.
The 33-year-old was assigned to the Angels Rookie-Ball team before being called up to the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. Walker pitched well in his short time with both teams, posting a 2.45 ERA with nine strikeouts over 11 innings between levels.
Advertisement
Walker activated his opt-out clause and was granted his release from the organization on Monday.
Walker only pitched five games at the major league level this season, all for the Phillies. He signed a four-year, $72 million contract with Philadelphia before the 2023 season. After posting a 9.13 ERA with four losses and 17 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings to start the 2026 season, he was promptly released from the Phillies.
Walker failed to pitch to the usual standard of his career during his four seasons with the Phillies.
Advertisement
Prior to signing his massive contract, he posted a mid-threes ERA in a contract year. He unfortunately fell apart the last few seasons.
The veteran pitcher was bounced between a starter and long relief man. He thrived in his bulk reliever role in 2024 before being slotted back in the rotation to start his 2026 campaign, due to ace Zack Wheeler starting the season on the injured list.
Over his career, Walker has been fairly effective as a solid, innings-eater, back end of the rotation pitcher. In 13 seasons, Walker pitched to a 4.27 ERA with 78 wins and 1105 strikeouts across 1300 2/3 innings.
Advertisement
Pitcher Taijuan Walker (99), Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
He has been praised as a teammate, specifically by former Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who was also let go from the organization in late April.
Walker will almost certainly be signed by another organization on a minor league contract before the end of the season. He proved across his 11 innings in the minor leagues this season that he can still pitch stable games with good command. In those 11 innings, he only walked four batters.
A positive of his major league season was his ability to limit hard contact. He ranked in the 76th percentile and 66th percentile respectively in Average Exit Velocity and Hard-Hit rate. While nothing excellent, Walker still proves to have upside to his game.
Advertisement
The former Phillie will look to receive another opportunity in the major leagues following his release from the Los Angeles Angels on Monday afternoon.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
