Walker Buehler’s tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers has concluded following his recent signing with the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox have secured Buehler on a one-year contract worth $21.05 million, with an additional $2.5 million in performance incentives.
Buehler’s departure from the Dodgers comes after a challenging 2024 season. Returning from his second Tommy John surgery, he posted a 1-6 record with a 5.38 ERA over 16 starts in the regular season. Despite these struggles, he delivered standout performances in the postseason, notably pitching five scoreless innings in Game 3 of the World Series and securing the save in the title-clinching Game 5 against the New York Yankees
The decision not to re-sign Buehler likely stems from concerns about his recent injury history and inconsistent performance during the regular season. The Dodgers may have been hesitant to commit significant financial resources to a player with such uncertainties. Conversely, the Red Sox view Buehler as a high-upside addition to their rotation, banking on his potential to return to form and bolster their pitching staff
In summary, while Buehler’s postseason heroics were instrumental in the Dodgers’ championship run, his injury history and regular-season struggles contributed to the team’s decision to part ways. The Red Sox are optimistic that a change of scenery and a structured recovery plan will enable Buehler to regain his status as a top-tier pitcher in the league.
For a deeper analysis of the Dodgers’ decision not to re-sign Buehler, you might find the following discussion insightful: