The Boston Red Sox agreed to a one-year deal with Starting Pitcher Walker Buehler earlier today. He is coming off an injury-plagued 2024 campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers that started late due to recovery from Tommy John surgery and a right hip injury that sidelined him for nearly two months in the middle of the season. He pitched miserably during the regular season with a 1-6 record and 5.38 ERA as Buehler struggled to find his footing after a bunch of injuries.
Fortunately for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he got on track during the MLB Playoffs and was a crucial part of LA’s World Series-winning team. He went 1-1 during the postseason with a 3.60 ERA. Buehler also recorded the save in Game 5 of the World Series that clinched the “Fall Classic.” How will this deal work out for both the veteran starting pitcher and the Boston Red Sox?
What Will Buehler Bring To the Boston Red Sox?
Right-hander Walker Buehler and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $21.05 million contract, sources tell ESPN. One of the Dodgers’ World Series heroes and a two-time All-Star will join a rebuilt Red Sox rotation. A high-upside play for both. First: @Russ_Dorsey1.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 23, 2024
Buehler joins a Boston Red Sox pitching that has been revamped this offseason. The team traded for Garrett Crochet earlier this month and signed veteran Relief Pitcher Pitcher Aroldis Chapman earlier this offseason as well. Boston’s pitching staff was average last season, which is why they have overhauled that part of their roster. Boston’s pitching staff was 17th in ERA, 20th in strikeouts, and 20th in opposing batting average during the regular season.
Final Thoughts
Buehler is a great pitcher but has struggled to remain healthy in recent years. If he can have a healthy season in 2025 with the Boston Red Sox, he will make himself a truckload of money when he is a free agent again next offseason. Boston has missed the playoffs in five of the last six seasons and their aggressiveness this offseason illustrates their hunger to return back to dominance in the sport.
