The Philadelphia Phillies just made a bold move to keep their October dreams alive.
On Sunday, the club signed veteran right-hander Walker Buehler, just two days after the Boston Red Sox released him. The deal comes at a critical moment: the NL East-leading Phillies are suddenly staring down a postseason run without their ace, Zack Wheeler, who is out for the year — and possibly longer — with thoracic outlet syndrome.
Enter Buehler, 31 years old, battle-tested, and with championship hardware to prove it. A two-time All-Star and key arm in the Dodgers’ World Series titles in 2020 and 2024, Buehler brings pedigree and postseason experience to a Phillies staff that desperately needed both. He’ll start out with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but crucially, he’s eligible for the playoffs.
Not a Good Season For Walker Buehler
It’s been a rough year for the former Dodgers star. After signing a one-year, $21.05 million contract with Boston in the offseason, Buehler was supposed to anchor their rotation. Instead, he struggled to stay healthy, hitting the injured list with shoulder issues early and never fully regaining his form. The numbers told the story: a 7-7 record, 5.45 ERA in 23 appearances (22 starts).
The Red Sox demoted him from the rotation in late August, then tried him briefly in relief against the Yankees, where he gave up two runs in 2 1/3 innings. Days later, Boston released him to make space for top pitching prospect Payton Tolle, effectively ending his short and bumpy stint in the AL East.
For Philadelphia, though, the gamble makes sense. Buehler has shown that he can still shine on the big stage, and if he can rediscover even flashes of his old dominance, he could become one of the most important late-season pickups in baseball.
The Phillies didn’t just add an arm — they added a name with October weight. And with Wheeler shelved, the City of Brotherly Love is banking on Buehler being more than just a reclamation project. They’re betting he still has some postseason magic left in him.
