The Boston Red Sox signed free agent Walker Buehler to a one year, $21.05 million contract, confirming months of rumors around his next team.
It’s a short prove-it deal for a guy who has shown serious potential but has also struggled mightily in the past several years, dealing with consistent injuries. Buehler, however, doesn’t see it that way. In a recent episode of the “Section 10” podcast, Buehler expressed a desire to remain in Boston long-term.
“I hope I’m good enough this year that I get to stay in Boston the rest of my career,” Buehler said.
This excitement is especially intriguing since Buehler’s future isn’t guaranteed. Even though the Red Sox view Buehler as a reclamation project of sorts rather than a long-term fix, there’s still hope that he can regain form and potentially be a contributor for years to come.
Red Sox fans will love Walker Buehler’s enthusiasm about playing in Boston
The Red Sox got themselves an absolute DOGGGGG in Walker Buehler. @Section10Pod pic.twitter.com/HX9yAcXKVY
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) January 9, 2025
Of course, whether or not the Red Sox fulfill that request depends on Buehler’s performance. He’s still a wild card, especially with his injury history. Since 2022, he’s thrown just 140.1 innings with a 4.75 ERA, and he missed all of the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery. Last year, he generated very few swings and misses, leading to the lowest strikeout rate of his career.
What gives Red Sox fans hope is that in 2021, his last full season, Buehler threw over 200 innings with a 2.47 ERA and 0.968 WHIP, finishing fourth in National League Cy Young voting. He seemed to be his old self in the postseason, especially in the NLCS and World Series, where he made three appearances and gave up no runs, earned or otherwise. He also has a history of success in October, with a career 3.04 ERA in the playoffs. The Red Sox hope they can test that playoff experience firsthand this year.
Buehler certainly has talent, which he showed early in his career. If he can get back to the best version of himself, the Red Sox have every reason to either extend him or resign him. And if he has a desire to remain in Boston, it makes it that much easier.
