The New York Yankees likely feel they’ve had enough of Walker Buehler, who, pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers, dominated them in the 2024 World Series. Buehler, who was drafted by the Dodgers in 2015, played a pivotal role in securing the championship for his team.
In a rare relief appearance in Game 5, he entered the game in the ninth inning with the Dodgers leading by just one run. Buehler recorded three quick outs, including striking out Austin Wells and Alex Verdugo to earn his first career save and seal the Dodgers’ first World Series title in a full season since 1988.
His save came one day after he pitched five shutout innings in Game 3, allowing just two hits and two walks, while striking out five Yankees batters. But if the Yankees thought they were done with Buehler, they will soon face him again.
In 2025, Buehler will join the Boston Red Sox, making him a central figure in the fierce rivalry between the Red Sox and Yankees. Buehler has agreed to a one-year, $21.05 million contract with Boston, which mirrors the qualifying offer made to Nick Pivetta, who declined it.
This move effectively upgrades Boston’s rotation without additional cost, although Buehler’s contract may include performance-based incentives.
Though Buehler has pitched fewer games and innings than Pivetta, his Wins Above Replacement (WAR) is higher—12.2 to 9.8—indicating he has been more valuable to his teams despite pitching less.
With the addition of Buehler and lefty ace Garrett Crochet, acquired in a trade with the Chicago White Sox, the Red Sox’s starting rotation is shaping up to include Crochet, Tanner Houck, Buehler, Brayan Bello, and Lucas Giolito, who was signed to a two-year, $38.5 million contract in January 2024. Giolito missed the 2024 season due to an elbow injury.
Now with the rotation largely set, the Red Sox are turning their focus to their bullpen, which struggled post-All-Star break, blowing 31 saves and posting a 4.39 ERA. They recently signed veteran Aroldis Chapman, but his lack of consistent command has raised doubts about his reliability as a closer.
As a result, the Red Sox may still be in the market for a proven ninth-inning option, with Tanner Scott, who saved 18 games for the Marlins in 2024 before being traded to the Padres, emerging as a potential target. Scott has also pitched 5 1/3 scoreless postseason innings but has yet to record a playoff save.
