Walker Buehler celebrated a triumphant moment as he secured the final out, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to victory over the New York Yankees and claiming the 2024 World Series title—the eighth in the franchise’s storied history. In a significant move, Buehler has now signed a one-year contract worth $21.05 million with the Boston Red Sox, alongside performance bonuses totaling an additional $2.5 million.
The 30-year-old right-hander, a two-time All-Star, had a remarkable period from 2018 to 2021, showcasing his talent as one of the finest pitchers in MLB. However, he faced challenges after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery in 2022. Despite these setbacks, Buehler made his way back to the Dodgers and finished the season with a 5.38 ERA over 16 starts. His resilience shone bright, as evidenced by his stellar postseason performance which included four scoreless innings in the National League Championship Series and five more shutout innings in the World Series.
With the Red Sox eager to bolster their starting pitching as they shift their focus towards contention, Buehler’s addition could be a game-changer. Boston’s lineup is promising, having ranked ninth in scoring last year, complemented by top-tier hitting prospects like Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer. The Red Sox have made noteworthy additions to their pitching staff, including left-hander Garrett Crochet and a two-year deal for Patrick Sandoval, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Buehler’s repertoire as a pitcher includes a potent four-seam fastball, complemented by a mix of other pitches including a cutter and curveball, making him a formidable opponent on the mound. His standout season in 2021 saw him achieving a 2.47 ERA and earning fourth place in the NL Cy Young voting. Injury setbacks have pushed Buehler’s return timeline, but his performances during the 2024 playoffs indicate he is regaining his elite form.
The Red Sox’s strategy appears promising: if they can harness peak performances from Buehler, Crochet, and a healthy Sandoval, their pitching depth will become a significant asset. With other right-handers like Tanner Houck and Brayan Bello slated to return, Boston is positioning itself strategically for upcoming seasons.
This signing not only exemplifies Buehler’s tenacity and dedication but also the Red Sox’s commitment to building a competitive roster. As they look ahead, fans can be filled with hope as this new chapter begins, potentially leading to remarkable achievements.