Buehler was hurt for the entire 2023 season and came back for a sluggish 2024 campaign. In 16 regular-season starts, he posted a 5.38 ERA with only one win. But in the playoffs, the Buehler of old came out, making this a gamble Boston was happy taking. He closed out the World Series for the Dodgers and now joins the AL East.

The Red Sox needed pitching after a brutal 2024 season. While they added Crochet to top their rotation, depth is important in their deep division. Nick Pivetta is a free agent and Sandoval will not return from his elbow injury until mid-year. Buehler will start valuable games early in the season and can shift into a depth starter or bullpen piece when Sandoval comes back.

The Red Sox can continue to add after the Walker Buehler signing

The Red Sox threw their hat in the ring for Juan Soto. David Ortiz and other famous alumni joined the recruiting pitch but it did not work. The 26-year-old signed a historic contract with the New York Mets. While every team could use Soto, Boston knew they needed another dominant hitter in the lineup.