Walker Buehler, the star pitcher who recorded the final out to seal the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series victory in 2024, has found a new home in MLB. He has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox to add some more fire to their rotation for next season. The deal is worth $21.05 million, with an additional $2.5 million in performance bonuses that can be made.
The Red Sox have been loading up on starting pitching this offseason, trading for Garrett Crochet and signing left-hander Patrick Sandoval, among others. The team is comprised of starter Tanner Houck, Lucas Giolito, Kutter Crawford, and Brayan Bello, providing a good mix of rotation depth.
Buehler’s career has been marked by his impressive performances from 2018-2021, but a setback in 2022 when he needed Tommy John surgery, his second such procedure. However, he bounced back in 2024, pitching to a 5.38 ERA with a 1.55 WHIP over 16 starts. He seemed to find his old form in the postseason, getting his wicked 12-6 curveball to work and dotting his fastball wherever he pleased.
Buehler ultimately closed out the ninth inning of Game 5 in the World Series against the New York Yankees, pitching on one day’s rest after providing five shutout innings earlier in the series. The 28-year-old’s next step will be on a one-year pact with the Red Sox, where he can prove his October form is sustainable moving forward.
