Walker Buehler’s Boston chapter may be heading toward a short and sour conclusion—and the Los Angeles Dodgers could be holding the pen to his next one.
Signed to a one-year, $21.05 million deal by the Red Sox this past offseason, Buehler was brought in to fortify a rotation in transition. But instead of rediscovering his pre-injury form, the 30-year-old right-hander has stumbled through 2025. Thirteen starts in, he holds a 6.29 ERA, a bloated 1.57 WHIP, and a 5-5 record. His trademark fastball is averaging just 94 mph, while his curveball has been more hittable than ever.
Walker Buehler’s Return to Dodgers?
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Still, Buehler’s track record in October continues to carry weight. As ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel put it:
“If the Red Sox do punt on this year, Buehler will have plenty of suitors in spite of his mediocre numbers this season. His postseason bona fides are obvious… Starter, reliever, whatever: October is Buehler’s time.”
That postseason edge—honed across two World Series titles and seven years with the Dodgers—could make him an appealing target for contenders in need of high-leverage arms. ESPN’s report placed his chances of being moved at 35%, identifying Los Angeles, Houston, Toronto, San Diego, and Chicago (Cubs) as potential fits.
A return to the Dodgers, in particular, makes plenty of sense. With multiple starters on the injured list and Buehler already steeped in the club’s culture and expectations, L.A. could offer the kind of familiar, low-friction landing spot that helps him reset.
Despite a rough start in Boston, Buehler still limits hard contact effectively, and his slider and sinker remain competitive. If the Dodgers believe they can fine-tune his mechanics or reframe his usage—perhaps even in a hybrid bullpen role—he could offer significant playoff value.
For now, Buehler remains a Red Sox. But with the deadline approaching and Boston fading, a familiar reunion might be just a phone call away.