With a long season ahead and plenty to prove, Taijuan Walker finds himself at a pivotal point in his Phillies journey. The right-hander, who has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency, may need to look no further than a familiar face from Phillies’ past to find a winning formula: Zack Wheeler.
Once upon a time, Wheeler, too, arrived in Philadelphia with talent, expectations, and question marks. And now, just a few years later, he’s a cornerstone of the rotation, an All-Star, and a model of steady dominance. The transformation didn’t happen overnight—it came through adjustments, patience, and the belief that potential could become performance.
The question now is: Can Walker follow that same path?
Walker’s 2025 season has been a mixed bag. While his velocity remains strong and his splitter can be devastating when on point, command issues and elevated pitch counts have led to shortened outings. Fans have seen glimpses of the pitcher he can be—just not often enough.
After a rough start to the season, Walker bounced back in a few solid performances, only to falter again in his most recent outing. With the Phillies battling for position in the NL East and a deep postseason run in their sights, the margin for error is shrinking.
But there’s still time to turn things around—and plenty of inspiration to draw from.
When Zack Wheeler joined the Phillies in 2020, he was seen as a high-upside arm with durability concerns and a history of inconsistency with the Mets. What followed was a transformation. Under the Phillies’ pitching staff and with a refined focus on pitch sequencing, mechanics, and mental preparation, Wheeler evolved into one of the most reliable starters in baseball.
Wheeler’s growth didn’t just elevate his own game—it raised the bar for the entire rotation. And now, Walker is being encouraged to take a similar approach.
“Zack figured out who he was as a pitcher once he got here,” said manager Rob Thomson. “He trusted the process, trusted his stuff, and put in the work. Taijuan has that same potential. It’s about dialing in.”
The Phillies don’t need Walker to be Wheeler—they just need him to be the best version of himself. That means attacking the zone early, using his deep arsenal wisely, and embracing the mental toughness that defines elite starters.
There’s no denying Walker’s raw ability. His past success with the Mets and Mariners proves he can be an impact arm when he’s in rhythm. The question now is whether he can find that rhythm in red pinstripes—and stay in it.
With key series looming and the bullpen already logging heavy innings, the Phillies need length and reliability from their starters. Walker has a chance to seize that role, rewrite his narrative, and become a vital piece in Philly’s postseason push.
All it takes is belief, adjustment—and perhaps a page from Zack Wheeler’s playbook.
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