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Alex Cora Reveals Stance on Walker Buehler's Future in Red Sox Starting Rotation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 5:15 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox added two starters in the offseason who were poised for big seasons in Boston. While Garrett Crochet is exceeding expectations, Walker Buheler is doing the opposite.

After his latest rough outing, in which he allowed five earned runs in four innings, with four coming in the first, Buehler faced questions about his future. His name has been floating in trade rumors, and while he's struggled, things could change for him soon.

In an article from Sean McAdam of Mass Live.com, Red Sox manager Alex Cora spoke on Buehler's struggles and how he views his role in the starting rotation going forward.

"We'll talk about it," Cora said of Buehler's spot in the rotation. "But the second and third innings were really good... There's some things he needs to do better, but he'll be ready for the next one."

Cora, while alluding to Buehler staying in the rotation, is something the team will discuss. This implication isn't great for Buehler, even though Cora is still keeping him in the rotation. Buehler himself is also questioning his role in the starting rotation.

"At some point," Buehler said. "There's 26 guys that are hopefully going to help this team make the playoffs, and if you're not one of them, I don't think it really matters what you've done in your past."

Despite his postseason success in 2024, Buehler signed just a one-year deal with the Red Sox. There was a lot of optimism surrounding him heading into 2025, but he's disappointed.

After his 13th and latest start, Buehler's ERA has climbed to 6.29. He's 5-5, and he's shown solid stuff multiple times this season. But he has allowed at least five earned runs in four of his last five starts.

For now, despite having a 10.64 ERA over his past five outings, he's still in the starting rotation. The Red Sox have had a tumultuous season, and Buehler has been a huge part of that. While Cora is planning to keep him in the rotation for now, things could change in the future if Buehler doesn't turn it around.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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