I’ll start out by saying I do not think much of Taijuan Walker’s abilities as a major league pitcher. When the Phillies signed him, I said it was a huge mistake, and he has largely proven me correct.
That said, let’s be somewhat realistic about Walker and his current status with the Phillies. After last season’s disastrous performance, most Phillies fans wanted Walker off the team. But with two not inexpensive years left on his deal, and his trade value likely less than a bag of baseballs, it felt like a given that Walker would be back with the club in Spring Training to see if he could be salvaged.