Red Sox sign 2-time World Series champion to one-year deal
The Red Sox made a splash on Monday, agreeing to a one-year, $21.05 million deal with right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler, according to multiple reports.
The longtime Dodgers hurler can also earn performance bonuses worth up to $2.5 million. Buehler did not receive a qualifying offer from the Dodgers, meaning the Red Sox aren’t required to give up draft pick compensation.
With the addition of Buehler, he will join Garrett Crochet in a rebuilt rotation that will include Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, and Kutter Crawford, unless he’s traded this offseason. Boston also has additional depth options in Triple-A Worcester, including Cooper Criswell, Richard Fitts, Hunter Dobbins, and Quinn Priester.
Boston could move Crawford to acquire a right-handed hitter to replace the production of Tyler O’Neill. The slugger left the Red Sox this offseason and signed with the Orioles.
The Red Sox also announced the addition of left-handed starter Patrick Sandoval on Monday, who is slated to miss parts of the 2025 season. If his rehab from Tommy John goes to plan, Sandoval could join the Red Sox in the second half of 2025. The deal for Sandoval will pay him $5.5 million in 2025 and $12.75 million in 2026.
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.
During the Dodgers postseason run to a World Series championship, Buehler was dominant, striking out 13 batters in 15 innings. Buehler recorded the final three outs of the 2024 World Series, striking out two batters, including Alex Verdugo, to clinch the title.
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.
Over the course of his big league career, Buehler owns a career 47-22 record and 3.27 ERA in 131 games (122 starts) for the Dodgers since making his debut in 2017.
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