The Boston Red Sox have made a bold move to strengthen their pitching staff by signing right-hander Walker Buehler to a one-year, $21.05 million contract, as reported by Yahoo Sports’ Russell Dorsey. This deal comes after the team’s qualifying offer of the same value was declined by Nick Pivetta, and notably, the Los Angeles Dodgers chose not to extend a qualifying offer to Buehler.
Buehler, 29, returned to the mound in 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but his regular season performance left much to be desired. In 75 1/3 innings with the Dodgers, Buehler posted a 5.38 ERA along with a 64/28 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Despite these underwhelming numbers, his postseason resurgence provided a glimpse of the pitcher he could still become.
During the World Series, Buehler showcased renewed velocity and control, earning a win and a save while logging a 3.60 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and a 13/5 K/BB ratio over 15 innings. This performance demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion under high-pressure situations, a quality that likely appealed to the Red Sox.
Boston’s decision to invest in Buehler reflects their confidence in his potential to regain his pre-surgery form as he gets further removed from the procedure. Once one of the most dominant arms in the league, Buehler could provide the Red Sox with a much-needed frontline presence in their rotation.
Adding to the intrigue of this offseason overhaul is the Red Sox’s acquisition of left-hander Garrett Crochet, further emphasizing their commitment to addressing a clear area of weakness. With Buehler and Crochet now in the rotation, Boston has taken significant strides to revamp a pitching staff that struggled in 2024.
The signing also signals a strategic gamble. At $21.05 million, Buehler’s deal is a hefty investment for a pitcher coming off a lackluster regular season. However, his postseason heroics and the potential for a full recovery make this a calculated risk for a team looking to contend in 2025.
For the Red Sox, the hope is that Buehler’s electric arm can anchor their rotation and help them stay competitive in a tough American League East. If he can replicate his postseason brilliance over a full season, this signing could prove to be a turning point in Boston’s bid to return to playoff prominence.
