A Philadelphia Phillies fan is taking it upon himself to start a GoFundMe to buy out Taijuan Walker’s contract.
It’s been a nightmare season for the Phillies’ No. 5 starter. In 18 games this season, he has an ugly 6.91 ERA and has given up 24 home runs. Since signing a four-year, $72 million deal with the Phillies ahead of the 2023 season, he’s pitched to a 5.20 ERA and given up 44 home runs in 49 games.
Related: Philadelphia Phillies clinch third consecutive playoff berth as eyes now set on division crown
Phillies fans were hoping they would never see Walker make another start for the team again after he was demoted, but he took the mound against the New York Mets on Thursday night and it was an absolute nightmare. Walker gave up eight runs and surrendered four home runs in 3 1/3 innings in the Phillies’ 10-6 loss.
"It hasn't been a good year for me."
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) September 20, 2024
A deflated Taijuan Walker chats about his recent start and his 2024 season. pic.twitter.com/3SuPQyXMKc
“It hasn’t been a good year for me,” Walker succinctly told reporters after the game.
After that performance, Bill Anthony DeRosier put together “The Taijuan Walker Exit Strategy” on GoFundMe. He’s trying to “raise” $18 million to keep Walker away.
“The Phillies obviously can’t bring themselves to buyout Taijuan Walkers contract…so it’s up to us fans. Every little bit helps,” DeRosier wrote in the GoFundMe.
As of late Friday night, it had raised $222.
What does Taijuan Walker’s future hold?
Phillies fans don’t need to worry about seeing Walker starting a playoff game. He was kept off last season’s postseason roster and would only be added as a mop-up reliever at most.
The Phillies will have to decide what to do with Walker and the $36 million remaining on his contract. No team will be trading for that contract, and if the Phillies release Walker, they will still be on the hook for the rest of the money.
Related: Top 5 reasons why the Philadelphia Phillies won’t win the World Series
More about:MLB