Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler, instrumental in their 2024 World Series victory, has inked a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. With the potential for an additional $2.5 million in performance bonuses, Buehler joins a revamped Red Sox rotation bolstering their pitching arsenal for the upcoming season.
Buehler’s signing follows Boston's acquisition of Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox and the recent addition of veteran Patrick Sandoval. This strengthens a starting rotation that already includes Tanner Houck, fresh off a successful season, alongside Lucas Giolito, Kutter Crawford, and Brayan Bello.
Buehler's career trajectory has been a rollercoaster. Once considered a dominant force on the mound from 2018 to 2021, his progress was hampered by a second Tommy John surgery in 2022. His return in 2024 saw him struggle with a 5.38 ERA across 16 starts.
However, Buehler's postseason performance was a resurgence. He delivered crucial innings, including closing out the decisive Game 5 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, pitching on short rest. This late-season performance sparked intrigue about his free agency prospects.
The Red Sox are betting on Buehler's ability to recapture his earlier form. This one-year deal offers him a chance to prove his October performance was not a fluke and that he can consistently deliver at a high level. Over his career, Buehler has a 3.27 ERA in 131 games, with 754 strikeouts and 190 walks over 731.2 innings.
