Phillies Shakeup: Taijuan Walker Released as Roster Moves Roll On

Philadelphia released Taijuan Walker, optioned Alan Rangel, and recalled Nolan Hoffman as they prepare another move to fill the 26th roster spot. Walker, 33, is in the final year of his four-year, $72MM contract that has underperformed, with a rough early-2026 line and a poor track record since 2024. The Phillies will owe the bulk of the remaining roughly $15M–$18M on the contract, while any new team would only owe prorated league minimum. Zack Wheeler is set to return to a rotation that includes Cristopher Sánchez, Andrew Painter, Aaron Nola, and Jesús Luzardo; Castellanos’ earlier release and move to the Padres adds to the ongoing payroll shakeup.