Walker Buehler, the standout right-handed pitcher who shone with the Los Angeles Dodgers during their recent World Series triumph, is currently facing the uncertainties of free agency. The 30-year-old is not just another player on the market; his strong postseason performance, particularly after overcoming significant injuries, has turned heads as he navigates this pivotal stage of his career.
During a recent episode of the "Just Baseball Show" podcast, Buehler shared his thoughts about the challenges inherent to free agency. He expressed how vastly different this year's Winter Meetings felt for him, stating, "It's usually just about seeing who goes where, but the phone calls are non-stop. You get used to planning, checking out rentals, and all of this." The uncertainty about his future complicates this planning, making it all the more challenging.
Buehler's recent season was nothing short of tumultuous. After undergoing his second Tommy John surgery, he returned to the Major Leagues with high hopes but faced difficulties during the regular season. He posted a 5.38 ERA over 16 starts, which included six losses. His earlier struggles could have suggested the Dodgers might have been ready to move on. Still, his postseason heroics reminded everyone of his formidable talent. Over the course of the playoffs, Buehler recorded ten consecutive scoreless innings, which played a significant role in the Dodgers' World Series victory against the New York Yankees. This standout performance could work to his advantage as he seeks opportunities this offseason.
Predicting Buehler's next chapter isn’t straightforward. Despite his ups and downs, experts are weighing his potential value on the open market. Jacob D. Rymer from Bleacher Report projected he might net a three-year, $45 million deal with opt-outs after 2025 and 2026. "Walker Buehler was one of the top pitchers in MLB between 2018 and 2021, pitching to a 2.82 ERA with 4.5 times as many strikeouts as walks. He isn’t this guy anymore, but maybe he could be again?" Rymer noted, voicing the dual-edged nature of Buehler's prospects.
The market for pitchers like Buehler is currently volatile, and several teams are keeping their eyes on him. With the Dodgers making aggressive moves, including signing Blake Snell, Buehler's return to Los Angeles seems uncertain. Yet, the door isn't entirely shut. The organization is still assessing its options, as the decision of Roki Sasaki, another coveted pitcher, could impact the Dodgers' future plans significantly. If Sasaki signs with the Dodgers, it could complicate matters for Buehler's return.
Teams such as the New York Mets are already being discussed as potential fits for Buehler. The Mets have had success rehabilitating pitchers with previous health concerns, turning them back to form. Should Buehler return to his pre-injury level of play, he could prove to be the highest-reward acquisition for the Mets. Other interested teams include the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants, both of whom see Buehler's potential value as they aim to strengthen their rotations.
The potential for opt-out clauses may be another key element of Buehler’s upcoming contract. Jeff Passan of ESPN emphasized Buehler's strong postseason performance as supporting his case for such conditions. The negotiations will be intriguing, as each side has different interests: the player would like leverage for future earnings, whereas the team may prefer securing predictability.
For Buehler, this free agency period holds both promise and peril. On one hand, he has the chance to secure financial stability and showcase his talents anew. On the other hand, he must weigh his options carefully as he continues to recover and rebuild his stature. If successful, he could regain his place among the elite pitchers of Major League Baseball. His legacy with the Dodgers may end regardless of where his contract lands, yet those postseason memories, particularly from the World Series, will linger on, leaving fans with fond recollections of Buehler's contributions to their championship run.
Even as questions remain about his next destination, one thing is clear: Walker Buehler has much yet to prove, both to himself and to teams across Major League Baseball. The next chapter of his career is just beginning.
