What if the Braves picked up Taijuan Walker?

TL;DR

Taijuan Walker struggles with the Phillies, failing to escape the first inning without allowing runs. If released, the Braves might consider him, but it's unlikely they would pursue him seriously.

Key points

Taijuan Walker has not escaped the first inning without allowing runs this season.
He is in the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract.
The Braves have had success with cheaply acquired pitchers recently.
There is skepticism about the Braves pursuing Walker even if he becomes available.

Philadelphia PhilliesAtlanta Braves

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 15: Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Taijuan Walker #99 looks on during the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs on April 15th, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Phillies fans are pretty much over Taijian Walker. He’s yet to escape the first inning this year without allowing multiple runs. He’s on the final year of a four year, 72 million dollar contract. It’s been 3 plus seasons of 4.97/5.29/4.88 ball with 1.5 WAR (before last night’s shelling). Phillies fans want him gone, and the media doesn’t see interested in seeing him start again. So they could stuff him in their bullpen for now. Though the Philadelphia bullpen is not bad by FIP standards. Their 2.80 FIP is obscured by their 4.66 ERA (again, before last night’s shelling). But if he can’t escape the first inning, how is the bullpen going to work out? **So what would happen if they put him on the street and the Braves gave him a ride?** The Braves have managed to get a song out of cheaply acquired free agent pitchers lately. Jose Suarez has a 2.37 FIP (through last night). Martin Perez has been decent, and was excellent while wind assisted last night. (4.92/3.43/4.00 with the Braves last year) was prepared to make a run at the starting rotation before injuring his knee. Even wasn’t entirely unhelpful before meeting the Guardians. So would the Braves grab Walker if available? I mean, if no other organization wants him and he wants to play the DFA game like some others, maybe. NL East teams do like to pass around players. But mostly, hahahahahaha no. A lot would have to happen with the Braves and Taijuan for them to find each other. Here’s hoping they never do. Yeah no, but let’s watch the dingers again anyway.

Q&A

What are Taijuan Walker's current performance issues with the Phillies?

Taijuan Walker has struggled significantly, allowing multiple runs in every first inning this season and posting a 4.97 ERA over the last three seasons.

How much is Taijuan Walker's contract worth and how long is it?

Taijuan Walker is in the final year of a four-year contract worth $72 million.

What would need to happen for the Braves to consider signing Taijuan Walker?

For the Braves to consider signing Walker, he would likely need to be released by the Phillies, and there would have to be no other interested teams.