The Closer’s Dilemma: Who Will Rise to the Challenge for the World Series Champs?

For the first time in his major league career, Walker Buehler will hit the free agent market, The right-hander had a World Series to remember for the Dodgers. After struggling for the majority of the season coming off a second Tommy John surgery, It was an open question whether or not Buehler would even make the postseason roster. He did, and the Dodgers are World Series champs with the help of his crucial efforts. Now, will he be able to cash in?

Market Value and Projections

It is hard to predict the numbers and years a team is willing to give Buehler given his injury and surgery history. However, his penchant for big-game and postseason success. The most likely contract would probably be a one-year, incentive-laden deal worth $15-16 million. There would be bonuses for benchmarks such as strikeouts and number of innings pitched. This would give the right-hander a chance to prove himself healthy as well as effective over the course of the season.

Here are the most likely landing spots for Buehler.

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves are always vying for the top spot in the National League East. With pitchers Max Fried and Charlie Morton testing the free agent market, and Spencer Strider recovering from Tommy John surgery, the Braves have rotation spots to fill. Pitching has been a top priority in Atlanta going back to the 1990s. Furthermore, they are looking for arms that can win in October. Buehler has proven he can do that and then some. Could the Braves lure the right-hander from the West Coast? The right-hander has roots in Kentucky, which is a stone’s throw from Truist Park. It would be an interesting dilemma for the World Series champion.

San Diego Padres

Every team needs pitching, and the Padres are no exception. They have a hole in their starting rotation since Joe Musgrove had Tommy John surgery and will miss the entire 2025 season. Could the Padres outbid their hated division rival for Buehler? No doubt. Would they? That’s another question entirely. And would Buehler leave the only organization he has ever known to put on the brown and gold? San Diego would probably have to impress the right-hander.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers did not extend Buehler the $21.5 million qualifying offer. However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t interested. Rumor has it that the Dodgers are working quietly behind the scenes to bring the right-hander back. After all, it is not lost on them that he saved the World Series win for them, and a lifetime 0.47 Earned Run Average in the Fall Classic is rarely duplicated and even harder to replace. Would Buehler be content with a one-year, $15 million deal? It’s hard to say, but it may be his best chance at a successful season. It is hard to envision Buehler in another uniform after his legendary efforts for the franchise.

Whoever signs Buehler will be betting that his success in big games continues. After all, the World Series hero isn’t a stranger to championships. And you can’t put a price tag on those.