New Red Sox starter Walker Buehler teases new jersey number for next season
Earlier this week, the Red Sox agreed to terms with free agent pitcher Walker Buehler on a one-year, $21.05 million deal. Boston has yet to announce the Buehler signing but made room on their 40-man roster by trading Mickey Gasper on Tuesday to the Twins for left-handed reliever Jovani Moran.
The Red Sox’ newest starter teased what jersey number he’ll wear with his new team on Friday night on X. Buehler posted, “What up Boston? #0 here… See y’all soon,” with a picture of him in a Red Sox home uniform.
Over the course of his career while wearing Dodger Blue, Buehler has worn the numbers 21 and 64. Only two players have worn the No. 0 for the Red Sox in team history: Brandon Phillips in 2018 and Adam Ottavino in 2021. Buehler will be the third to wear the No. 0 when he pitches for the Sox next season.
The longtime Dodgers hurler is one of the many new faces that will occupy the Red Sox rotation next season. Boston will feature a rotation that will be led by Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Lucas Giolito, and Buehler. In addition to Crochet and Buehler, the Red Sox also signed left-handed starter Patrick Sandoval, who will miss a chunk of the 2025 season recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Buehler comes to Boston after spending eight seasons in Los Angeles, winning two World Series titles and making two All-Star teams. He had a dominant 2021 campaign where he went 16-4 with a 2.47 ERA, finishing fourth in NL Cy Young voting. Buehler missed the 2023 season and was on the shelf for two full years in total after undergoing his second career Tommy John surgery in Aug. 2022.
The righty returned to the Dodgers last season, posting a 1-6 record with a 5.38 ERA as a starter. He underwent his first Tommy John surgery while pitching for Vanderbilt in 2015.
Buehler will look to re-establish his value next season with the Red Sox and hit the open market looking for a mega deal. If Buehler walks in free agency, Boston could get draft pick compensation if they attach the qualifying offer.
