Taijuan Walker Opts Out of Angels Deal After Brief Minor League Stint
Taijuan Walker, released by the Philadelphia Phillies in April 2026, has opted out of his minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels after just a few weeks. Walker signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Phillies before the 2023 season but struggled significantly in 2026, leading to his release. The 33-year-old veteran will now explore free agency again as he seeks another opportunity to continue his MLB career.
Taijuan Walker has exercised an opt-out clause in his minor league agreement with the Los Angeles Angels, ending a brief stint with the organization after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies in April 2026. Walker had signed a four-year, $72 million contract with Philadelphia before the 2023 season but experienced a difficult start to the 2026 campaign, prompting his release. During his short time with the Angels' minor league system, Walker appeared in three games and posted a 2.45 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP over 11 innings. The 33-year-old former All-Star will now return to free agency in search of a new team, with multiple sources noting that several MLB clubs have experienced injuries to their starting rotations and may be seeking pitching help.
What different sources said
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Phillies’ $72 Million Disappointment Walks Away From New Team After Very Short Stint
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