Dodgers Delicate Dance: Buehler’s Desire for Contract Flexibility Adds Twist to Multi-Year Negotiations
Among the more intriguing cases within the current group of Los Angeles Dodgers free agents is Walker Buehler, who endured a difficult 2024 season before putting together another impressive October run.
This year was Buehler’s first season since having a second Tommy John surgery, and the results predictably were a mixed bag. He also dealt with a right hip injury that compromised mechanics and further complicated Buehler’s quest toward having a successful year.
A year filled with struggles was washed away when Buehler helped the Dodger win the World Series, and now he’s among the pitchers looking to capitalize on a strong market for starting pitchers.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, Buehler is looking to sign a multi-year contract that would allow him to opt out and re-test free agency in the coming years.
The New York Mets, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs are additional teams that have been connected to Buehler at various points this offseason. So too were the Detroit Tigers, but it’s unclear if they remain interested after signing Alex Cobb to a one-year contract.
Furthermore, Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris has largely addressed the team’s starting rotation through short-term contracts taking control of the front office in September 2022.
The Boston Red Sox also may not face as much of a need since trading for Garrett Crochet, and the New York Yankees signed Max Fried.
Walker Buehler doesn’t have qualifying offer
One potential wrinkle for Buehler heading into free agency was whether the Dodgers would extend him a qualifying offer for the 2025 season.
The team ultimately decided against doing so, which was a mild surprise. It’s believed the Dodgers did not give Buehler a qualifying offer because they wanted to allow him to reach free agency unencumbered and not inadvertently force him into accepting the one-year, $21.05 million contract.
