Phillies finalize 4-year, $72M deal with RHP Taijuan Walker

By The Associated Press

FILE - New York Mets pitcher Taijuan Walker throws during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 30, 2022, in New York. The Philadelphia Phillies added Walker to their rotation on Tuesday, Dec. 6, agreeing to a $72 million, four-year contract with the right-hander.A person familiar with the negotiations confirmed the move to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it was pending a physical. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Adam Hunger]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies finalized their deal with Taijuan Walker, agreeing to a $72 million, four-year contract with the right-hander. The 30-year-old Walker went 12-5 with a 3.49 ERA in 29 starts this season for the New York Mets, one of Philadelphia’s biggest NL East rivals. He slots into a rotation fronted by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. The 6-foot-4 Walker made the All-Star team for the first time in 2021, putting together a fast start before fading to a 7-11 record with a 4.47 ERA in 30 games, 29 starts.