The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a decision with Walker Buehler at the outset of free agency, and unlike their approach with Teoscar Hernández, the right-hander did not receive the qualifying offer for the 2025 season.
That allowed Buehler to reach free agency for the first time in his career without any pressure to take the one-year, $21.05 million deal from the Dodgers. It also meant Buehler’s market would not potentially be suppressed because of draft-pick compensation attached to him if he declined the qualifying offer.
The New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers were among the teams connected to Buehler over recent weeks.
According to Russell Dorsey of Yahoo Sports, Buehler agreed to sign with the Red Sox on a one-year, $21.05 million contract that includes performance bonuses:
Breaking: Right-hander Walker Buehler and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $21.05 million deal which includes incentives, sources tell @YahooSports. The two-time World Series champion with the Dodgers now becomes the veteran arm in Boston’s new-look rotation.
— Russell Dorsey (@Russ_Dorsey1) December 23, 2024
Buehler signing with the Red Sox ends a Dodgers career that began when the team selected him in the first round with the 24th overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft. Buehler immediately underwent Tommy John surgery but made his MLB debut in 2017 and became a mainstay in the Dodgers’ rotation the following year.
He developed into one of the best young pitchers in baseball before requiring a second Tommy John surgery in 2022. Buehler struggled in his return this year but once again lived up to a well-earned reputation of being a big-game pitcher in the postseason.
The 30-year-old closed out the postseason with 12 consecutive scoreless innings in a stretch that included converting the save in Game 5 of the World Series as the Dodgers won their eighth championship in franchise history.
Buehler now becomes a second addition for the Red Sox rotation this offseason as they previously completed a trade for Garrett Crochet, who the Dodgers reportedly had interest in.
Walker Buehler: stressful free agency
While Buehler acknowledged there was some level of excitement and intrigue with becoming a free agent, he also noted it made the offseason more stressful because of the uncertainty that accompanied it.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
