The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves at a critical juncture this 2025 season, grappling with a pitching crisis that has sent shockwaves through their rotation and bullpen. With a staggering 15 pitchers currently sidelined due to injuries, the front office is under immense pressure to bolster the mound ahead of the trade deadline. Among the names circulating as potential saviors is none other than Walker Buehler, the former Dodgers ace now pitching for the Boston Red Sox.
Buehler, 30, has been a familiar face in Los Angeles since his debut in 2017 at just 22 years old. Over the years, he carved out a reputation as one of the most formidable postseason pitchers in Dodgers history. His 2020 World Series performance remains etched in fans’ memories, where he posted a stellar 1.80 ERA across five starts and 25 innings, including a dominant 10-strikeout outing in Game 3. However, it was his heroic relief appearance on two days’ rest to close out Game 5 of the 2024 World Series that truly defined his legacy, securing the Dodgers’ eighth Commissioner’s Trophy.
Despite such postseason heroics, Buehler’s current season with the Red Sox has been a mixed bag. Across nine starts, he carries a 4.44 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 15 walks over 46.2 innings pitched. While these numbers don’t scream dominance, they reflect a pitcher battling through injuries and adjusting to a new environment. Boston’s struggles this season — sitting four games below .500 and trailing the division-leading Yankees by 9.5 games — have only intensified speculation that the Red Sox might look to trade Buehler before he hits free agency.
ESPN insider Jeff Passan recently weighed in on the situation, highlighting why a reunion with the Dodgers makes perfect sense. "They don’t build their team for regular-season wins. They want to put together the most devastating 26-man squad for the postseason. And they saw last year what Buehler turns into in October. The four shutout innings against the Mets. Five more against the Yankees. And then the final three outs to lock down the World Series title," Passan explained.
Indeed, the Dodgers’ front office, led by General Manager Brandon Gomes, is reportedly scouring the trade market for pitching reinforcements. The team’s offseason signings of Blake Snell and Rōki Sasaki, along with bullpen additions like Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, have been undermined by a slew of injuries. Snell and Sasaki are both on the injured list with shoulder issues, while Tyler Glasnow, top prospect River Ryan, and Gavin Stone also remain sidelined. This injury epidemic has left the Dodgers desperate for reliable arms to stabilize their rotation and bullpen.
While big-name pitchers like Chris Sale might be ideal targets, the Dodgers seem poised to pursue a more realistic upgrade. Buehler fits that bill perfectly, offering postseason experience and a proven track record in high-pressure situations. The fact that he’s a Los Angeles native who has a strong rapport with the coaching staff and catcher Will Smith only sweetens the deal.
Financially, Buehler’s one-year, $21 million contract signed in free agency is significant but manageable for the Dodgers, a franchise known for its deep pockets. The question remains what Boston would demand in return. Comparisons have been drawn to last season’s Mets-Athletics trade, where the Mets acquired Paul Blackburn, a similarly productive but injury-prone starter, in exchange for 22-year-old pitching prospect Kade Morris, ranked 15th in Oakland’s farm system.
For Buehler, the Dodgers might need to part with one of their promising pitching prospects, such as No. 10 prospect Justin Wrobleski or No. 12 prospect Nick Frasso. Given the Dodgers’ deep farm system, such a trade could be feasible, especially considering the immediate impact Buehler could have on their postseason ambitions.
The Dodgers’ pitching woes are a stark reminder of the challenges of sustaining health and performance over a grueling MLB season. Clayton Kershaw, the veteran ace, is also showing signs of Father Time catching up, further emphasizing the need for fresh arms. The team’s strategy of assembling a postseason-caliber roster rather than focusing solely on regular-season wins underscores the urgency of acquiring a pitcher like Buehler, who has demonstrated an uncanny ability to elevate his game when it matters most.
For Boston, the calculus is different but equally pressing. With the Red Sox’s playoff hopes dimming, trading Buehler before he walks in free agency is a pragmatic move. It allows them to recoup valuable assets and invest in the future rather than cling to a fading postseason dream. Craig Breslow and the Red Sox front office face tough decisions as the trade deadline approaches, balancing competitiveness with long-term planning.
This developing story highlights the dynamic nature of MLB’s trade market and the delicate balance teams must strike between present needs and future potential. The Dodgers’ pursuit of Buehler is more than just a roster move; it’s a strategic gamble to reignite their championship aspirations amid adversity.
As the trade deadline looms, all eyes will be on Los Angeles and Boston. Will the Dodgers reunite with their former ace to shore up their rotation? Can Buehler rediscover his dominant form in a familiar setting? And will the Red Sox capitalize on this opportunity to rebuild? The answers will unfold in the coming weeks, but one thing is clear: the Dodgers’ pitching crisis has set the stage for a blockbuster trade that could reshape the postseason landscape.
