Walker Buehler’s time in Boston is coming to an abrupt end. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, the Red Sox are releasing the veteran right-hander less than a year after signing him to a one-year, $21 million deal in the offseason.
The move caps off a disappointing stint for Buehler, who never found his rhythm in a Red Sox uniform. Over 112.1 innings, he posted a 7–7 record with a 5.45 ERA, struggling with inconsistency from start to start. Boston shifted him to the bullpen late last month in hopes of salvaging his season, but his debut in relief on August 24 didn’t inspire much confidence — two earned runs allowed over 2.1 innings.
Red Sox Prioritizing Playoff Push
For Boston, the decision comes at a critical moment. The club is in the thick of the playoff race after completing a 7–1 road trip, and they entered Friday at 75–60, just 3.5 games back of the AL East lead. With every inning magnified, the Red Sox clearly decided they couldn’t afford to keep waiting for Buehler to straighten things out.
What’s Next for Buehler?
For the 30-year-old Buehler, it’s a big fall from his days as a postseason weapon with the Dodgers. Once viewed as a frontline starter capable of dominating October lineups, his Boston chapter has ended before it ever really got going. Durability concerns and command lapses derailed his season, and now he’ll head to the open market as a high-risk, high-reward option for any team willing to take a chance.
Meanwhile, Boston moves forward with a rotation and bullpen that have steadied during their recent surge. Cutting ties with a $21 million arm is never an easy call, but with the postseason in sight, the Red Sox made it clear: results matter more than reputations.
