The Los Angeles Dodgers are still celebrating their eighth World Series title in franchise history that was won by taking down the New York Yankees in five games.
Receiving a strong blend of their star power to propel themselves past the Yankees, they leaned on fundamentals and experience in big games. Of those was Walker Buehler, who further cemented himself as one of the best playoff pitchers in recent memory.
In a pinch, the Dodgers called on Buehler to close out Game 5 despite the relief appearance coming on just one day of rest.
Sitting alongside other Dodgers to record an episode of “On Base with Mookie Betts” podcast, Buehler spoke about his performance in the playoffs and what type of player he is following his postseason run:
“Oh, I’m better now. I’m a problem right now.”
Prior to the World Series, Buehler discussed his faded performance over the course of the regular season, but when asked about envisioning the Dodgers back in the Fall Classic, he was indifferent on himself, specifically.
“For our team I did,” Buehler said. “Not for myself, really. I think I’ve always felt I was one or two good ones away from being good. If I didn’t have a good one, I still felt two away from being good. Kind of a long road, I don’t necessarily think I walk on the mound and feel like I did in 2019, 2020 or 2021.
“But I think I know who I am right now, a lot more than I did maybe a couple months ago. I’ve kind of accepted at some point I was going to have to not worry as much about feeling good, and go out there and perform. I think I’ve done that somewhat the past couple ones.”
Walker Buehler’s free agency
Buehler did not receive a qualifying offer from the Dodgers, opening the door for him to be a free agent without any restriction.
The Dodgers and Buehler have interest in a reunion, but his market could be ticking up with how much promise he displayed in the playoffs. His metrics and performance were certainly enough to provide teams with the intrigue needed for a multi-year deal.
The Yankees reportedly have interest in signing Buehler, who turned away the Athletics in part because of not having a desire to play in Sacramento.
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