Red Sox Bolster Rotation with Walker Buehler’s $21.05M Deal
The Boston Red Sox have reportedly strengthened their pitching rotation by signing two-time All-Star right-hander Walker Buehler to a one-year contract worth $21.05 million. According to ESPN, the deal includes an additional $2.5 million in performance bonuses, signaling the team’s confidence in Buehler’s potential resurgence.
A Career Interrupted by Injuries
Buehler, once considered the heir apparent to Clayton Kershaw as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ ace, has had his career derailed by injuries. After appearing in just 12 games in 2022 and missing the entire 2023 season due to his second Tommy John surgery, Buehler returned in 2024 but faced setbacks. A hip injury limited him to 16 regular-season starts, during which he went 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA.
Despite his struggles, Buehler played a crucial role in the postseason for the World Series champion Dodgers. Over four appearances (three starts), he posted a 1-1 record with a 3.60 ERA across 15 innings, striking out 13 batters while walking five. In Game 5 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, he notably earned a save, pitching on one day’s rest to close out the series.
Career Highlights
The 30-year-old Buehler has been a dominant force on the mound when healthy. Since debuting with the Dodgers in 2017, he has compiled a 47-22 record with a 3.27 ERA in 131 games (122 starts). Across 713 2/3 innings, he has struck out 754 batters. Buehler’s best season came in 2021, when he went 16-4 with a 2.47 ERA, leading the majors with 33 starts and finishing fourth in National League Cy Young Award voting.
Fit in Boston’s Rotation
In Boston, Buehler will join a rotation that has undergone significant changes. The Red Sox recently acquired left-hander Garrett Crochet in a trade with the Chicago White Sox. Other potential starters include Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Lucas Giolito, and Tanner Houck. Giolito, like Buehler, is coming off Tommy John surgery, which could create an opportunity for both pitchers to bounce back under the Red Sox’s guidance.
Looking Ahead
The signing of Buehler reflects the Red Sox’s strategy of taking calculated risks on high-upside players to rebuild their rotation. If Buehler can regain his All-Star form, he could provide a significant boost to Boston’s pitching staff as they aim to compete in the highly competitive AL East. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Buehler can overcome his recent challenges and return to elite form.
