The Boston Red Sox are taking a flyer on former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and two-time All-Star Walker Buehler after signing him to a one-year, $21 million contract. Buehler is also betting on himself after a somewhat tumultuous career that has featured many highs and lows. In 2024, he posted a 1-6 record with a 5.38 ERA, but after a turnaround in the playoffs, the Red Sox believed that was enough to take a chance on the 30-year-old.

On Sunday, Buehler made his spring debut in the Grapefruit League for the Red Sox. He had an electric outing, striking out four New York Mets hitters in just two innings of work.

Walker Buehler strikes out 4 in his #SpringTraining debut with the Red Sox pic.twitter.com/SU8NCBCLjY — MLB (@MLB) March 2, 2025 As Buehler works his way back from nearly two years off due to Tommy John surgery and subsequent complications with his rehab, a very welcome sign is that his ability to strike out hitters isn’t completely gone. His K/9 was down to 7.6 in 2024, compared to 9.2 and 10.6 in his two All-Star appearances. Buehler will be an important part of Boston’s rotation this year, and his health will likely determine whether the contract is successful.

As of now, he is slated to be the team’s third option behind Garrett Crochet and Tanner Houck. However, starting pitching has been an issue for the Red Sox in recent seasons. If they want to make a playoff push, Buehler will need consistency and innings this season.