The Boston Red Sox make another move in free agency, securing veteran right-hander Walker Buehler on a one-year, $21.05 million deal. This deal is identical to his former teams qualifying offer figure. The Los Angeles Dodgers declined to extend that to him however.
This bold move intrigues Boston’s offseason strategy as they aim to rebound from a disappointing 81-81 record and third-place finish in the AL East. CBS Sports had ranked Buehler amongst the top free agents available this year.
This was a bit of a blow to other teams, like the Atlanta Braves, who had been linked to Buehler as a target to help round out their rotation.
Buehler’s Road to Redemption: Struggles and Triumphs
Buehler’s 2024 campaign was a rollercoaster. After returning from his second Tommy John surgery, the 30-year-old struggled to regain consistency, posting a 5.38 ERA and a 5.54 FIP across 16 starts for the Dodgers.
His 75 ⅓ innings featured flashes of brilliance but also revealed vulnerability, including 16 home runs allowed and a relatively low strikeout total of 64. The Red Sox appear to be betting on his high ceiling and postseason pedigree despite these struggles.
Why the Red Sox Are Betting on Walker Buehler
Buehler’s October performance was a reminder of his potential. He registered a solid 3.60 ERA over 15 playoff innings, including three starts and a memorable, perfect ninth inning to close out the Yankees in Game 5 of the World Series.
That save secured the Dodgers’ championship and provided a glimpse of the ace-like form that once had him in the Cy Young conversation—he finished fourth in voting back in 2021 with a 2.47 ERA over 200 innings.
Revamping the Rotation: A New Look for 2025
Joining the Red Sox, Buehler will slide into a rotation headlined by newly acquired southpaw Garrett Crochet. The supporting cast of Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford provides a mix of youth and experience.
At the same time, the eventual returns of Lucas Giolito, Chris Murphy, and Patrick Sandoval promise additional depth. Boston’s front office is clearly focused on building a formidable pitching staff capable of ending their postseason drought.
It’s a gamble, no doubt. But if Buehler can recapture even a shadow of his pre-surgery dominance, the Red Sox may have found themselves a key piece for 2025—and a reason for fans to hope once again.
