Right-handed starting pitcher Walker Buehler is a free agent for the first time in his career, and Buster Olney of ESPN reports that at least 10 teams are interested. The former first-round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers and two-time World Series champion is reportedly looking for a multi-year deal with opt-outs.

Rumor: Several Teams Interested in Walker Buehler

Reversal of Fortunes

Buehler struggled for the majority of the 2024 regular season coming back from his second Tommy John surgery. His 5.38 ERA was the highest on the Dodgers staff. The low point came in June when he was hit in the hip with a comebacker, and forced to go on the injured list again. While sidelined, he continued to refine his mechanics. However when the right-hander returned to a major league mound, it was clear he was still a work in progress as his walks were up, and the strikeouts down. There was much debate about whether Buehler should even make the postseason roster.

The Dodgers had no choice but to start him. Los Angeles had only three viable arms to use as starters in the postseason. He rewarded their gamble. Aside from a rocky start against the San Diego Padres in the Division Series, thanks to some shoddy defense behind him, Buehler found his stuff. Between the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets and the World Series, the right-hander pitched 13 scoreless innings, striking out a baker’s dozen.

Incidentally, the big-game pitcher has pitched 19 World Series innings and given up just one earned run. That’s a 0.47 ERA. That is enough to interest more than a few teams.

Who’s Out?

Los Angeles looks prepared to say goodbye to the right-hander as they didn’t extend Buehler a qualifying offer and will not give him the multi-year deal is asking for. The Atlanta Braves, once thought to be a good fit, will probably decline as well, due to his injury history and the small sample size of effectiveness in the 2024 season.

Who’s In?

New York Yankees

The Yankees witnessed Buehler’s effectiveness in the World Series. Since Juan Soto went to the Mets, they have more resources to allocate elsewhere. With Nestor Cortes off to Milwaukee, and Luis Gil reportedly on the trading block, the Bronx Bombers will be looking to shore up their rotation behind Gerrit Cole. Buehler seems to thrive under the bright lights in the big city, and says that his pitching arsenal is more effective in the cold weather. The Bronx may be a fit if they are willing to take a chance.

Boston Red Sox

The  Red Sox have been languishing in mediocrity the last couple of years and looking to break out as their trade for Garrett Crochet attests. They still need to build their rotation depth as James Paxton has retired and Nick Pivetta is a free agent and won’t be back at Fenway. If Buehler can maintain his health and effectiveness, a one- two punch of  Crochet-Buehler might allow the Red Sox to compete for the American League East and beyond.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants lost two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell to free agency. He signed a five-year contract with the rival Dodgers. If the Giants wish to compete for the National League West, Logan Webb needs help. Would their new President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey poach Buehler from the free agent market? Would Buehler dare stoke the long-time rivalry even by donning a Giant jersey? It wouldn’t be beyond the realm of possibility if contract terms were right. We shall see.

Wherever Walker Buehler lands, he certainly brings a big-game resumé with him. Hopefully, he can stay healthy enough to add to it.