The Los Angeles Dodgers could undergo significant changes in 2025 following free agency. One potential departure is Walker Buehler.
When listing potential “bounce-back candidates” for the Boston Red Sox, FanSided’s Henry Blickenstaff suggested Buehler as an option. View his article here.
“Rumors suggest Buehler’s potential move to Boston. Given the Red Sox’s desperate need for pitching, Buehler presents a worthwhile risk. While his 2024 performance was underwhelming, and he has faced injuries in each of the past three seasons, he demonstrated brilliance earlier in his career with glimpses of his former potential during this year’s postseason. Most importantly, his projected market value stands at an affordable $3.9 million annually, making the commitment minimal for Boston,” Blickenstaff states.
Buehler has spent his entire MLB career with the Dodgers. A two-time All-Star and World Series champion, he struggled last season with a 5.38 ERA over 16 starts, marking his worst year as a major leaguer. However, he experienced a remarkable turnaround in the postseason.
After a difficult first outing, Buehler shut down opponents for three consecutive games, including two starts. He delivered nine scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts across his final two starts, even securing a save to clinch the World Series championship on one day’s rest.
Buehler stepped up in the absence of Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw. However, both pitchers return to the Dodgers lineup in 2025 alongside Shohei Ohtani. This increased pitching depth raises questions about Buehler’s future with the team.
Despite a less-than-stellar season, Buehler’s strong postseason performance offers a glimmer of hope. It might be enough to attract teams like the Red Sox willing to take a chance on him. The Dodgers declined to extend a qualifying offer to Buehler, making him a free agent. A “prove it” style contract could appeal to any team looking to invest in his potential.
More MLB: Dodgers Attempting to Retain Fan Favorite Following Qualifying Offer Rejection
# Walker Buehler: A Potential Bounce-Back Candidate for the Boston Red Sox in Free Agency?
The 2023 **MLB free agency** class promises to be a highly competitive one, with several star players set to test the open market. Among them is right-handed pitcher **Walker Buehler**, who is coming off a season marred by injury and looking to re-establish himself as a top-tier starter. While he may not command the same price tag as some of his contemporaries, Buehler’s potential for a **bounce-back** could make him an attractive target for teams like the Boston Red Sox seeking pitching depth and proven talent.
## A Look Back: Buehler’s Stellar Pre-Injury Form
Before his recent struggles, Buehler was a dominant force in the **MLB**.
* From 2019 to 2021, he posted an impressive 3.69 ERA across 48 starts with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
* He routinely showcased his ability to miss bats, racking up strikeouts at a high rate.
* Buehler’s signature **sinker-slider combo**, coupled with his competitive spirit and resilience on the mound, made him a fan favorite in L.A. and a key contributor to their championship aspirations.
## The Roadblocks: Injuries and Setbacks
Unfortunately, Buehler’s trajectory was abruptly altered by a series of setbacks in 2021 and 2022. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, effectively ending his season prematurely and raising questions about his long-term health.
This injury history is undoubtedly a major concern for any team considering signing Buehler. The recovery process from Tommy John surgery can be lengthy and unpredictable, and there’s always a risk that pitchers may not return to their pre-injury form.
## Potential Bounce-Back: Why the Red Sox Should Consider Him
Despite the challenges he’s faced, there are several reasons why Buehler could be a worthwhile gamble for the Red Sox in free agency.
* **Proven Track Record**: Even with his recent struggles, Buehler has a solid track record of success at the MLB level. He’s shown that he can be an effective starting pitcher and contribute to a winning team.
* **Young Age (29)**: While age is always a factor in baseball, 29 is still relatively young for a pitcher. There’s reason to believe that Buehler has plenty of good years left in him if he recovers fully from his injury.
* **Fits the Red Sox Needs**: The Red Sox have been actively searching for pitching depth and proven starters. With Nathan Eovaldi’s departure, there is an opportunity to fill a significant void in their rotation.
* **Motivation Factor**: After experiencing such a difficult period, Buehler will undoubtedly be highly motivated to prove himself once again. Pitchers often use adversity as fuel to come back even stronger.
## Weighing the Risks and Rewards
While the potential rewards of signing Walker Buehler are certainly enticing for the Red Sox, it’s crucial to acknowledge the risks involved.
* **Injury Uncertainty**: The biggest question mark surrounding Buehler is his long-term health. There’s no guarantee that he will fully recover from Tommy John surgery and return to his pre-injury form.
* **Contract Value**: Depending on his market value, signing Buehler could represent a significant financial commitment for the Red Sox, potentially limiting their ability to address other needs on the roster.
## Making the Decision: Factors to Consider
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to sign Walker Buehler will come down to a careful evaluation of the risks and rewards by the Boston Red Sox front office.
Key factors they will need to consider include:
* **Medical Reports**: A thorough review of Buehler’s medical records and progress in his recovery will be essential to assess the likelihood of a successful return.
* **Projected Performance**: Evaluating Buehler’s potential performance over a multi-year contract is crucial to determine if he aligns with the team’s long-term goals.
* **Market Value vs. Team Needs**: Balancing the cost of signing Buehler with the Red Sox’s overall roster needs and budget constraints will be a critical factor in their decision-making process.
