Boston Beckons: Dodgers Bounce Back Candidate Weighs Option
The Los Angeles Dodgers could look very different in 2025 following free agency. One player who could be gone is Walker Buehler.
While listing “bounce-back candidates” the Boston Red Sox should target, FanSided’s Henry Blickenstaff named Buehler as an option for the team.
“There have been plenty of rumors surrounding Buehler’s potential move to Boston. With the Red Sox in desperate need of any pitching help they can get, Buehler seems like a risk worth taking. His 2024 numbers were pretty forgettable and he’s had injury problems in each of the last three seasons, but he was brilliant in the years before that, and he showed some of his old potential in this year’s postseason. Best of all, with a projected market value of only $3.9 million per year, the commitment on the Red Sox’ part is insignificant.”
Buehler has spent his entire time in the majors with the Dodgers. He is a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion. He held a 5.38 ERA in 16 starts last season, making it his worst season as a big leaguer. However, he turned things around at the end of the postseason.
After a rough first outing, he did not allow a run across his next three outings, including two starts. He threw a combined nine scoreless innings while striking out 11 in his final two starts. He even came in to get the save and clinch the World Series title on one day of rest.
Buehler stepped up in the absence of Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw. However, the Dodgers are getting both of those guys back in 2025, and Shohei Ohtani on the mound as well.
Buehler was not the same pitcher he was in years past last season. However, a strong postseason is an encouraging sign. Perhaps it is enough for him to sign with a team like the Red Sox. The Dodgers did not extend a qualifying offer to Buehler. However, a “prove it” style deal would make sense to any team looking to take a chance on him.
