MLB Insider: Andrew Benintendi and 2 other offseason mistakes

Philadelphia Phillies signing Taijuan Walker looks like early mistake

The Philadelphia Phillies giving Taijuan Walker a four-year, $72 million contract felt like a lot at the time of signing. But team president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is always aggressive in addressing his rotation and with the team in the middle of a sustained period of World Series contention, they felt like Walker was worth the investment.

But the signing, at least early on, looks like it may have been an overpay.

Walker, 30, has a 6.91 ERA in six starts and just allowed eight runs in 3.1 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has only 29 strikeouts in 28.2 innings while surrendering 22 walks. He’ll need to harness his control if he has any hopes of turning his season around, but it’s been a slow start for most Phillies pitchers.

And for the Phillies to reach their potential, they’ll need all of their pitchers to step up. Especially Walker.