Potential landing spots for Walker Buehler after release

Less than a year after signing with the Boston Red Sox, the team released pitcher Walker Buehler on Friday. This ended what has been, at best, an inconsistent stint with the club following 7 solid years with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Although this has been his worst year in terms of ERA, and his control has been suspect since his second Tommy John surgery in 2023, it wouldn’t be hard to envision Buehler finding another home for the pennant chase and playoffs.

The last two seasons for Buehler have been a struggle, but where he has always thrived is in the playoffs and World Series. Contenders are sure to notice his lifetime ERA in the World Series is under one, and his two World Series rings are something every contender should be interested in.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The most obvious team that should have an interest is his former club, the Dodgers. Buehler left last offseason,  with a full rotation already in place in Los Angeles. With a month left in the season, Roki Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin, River Ryan and Gavin Stone are all on the injured list; suddenly, Buehler has room to retake his spot in the Dodger rotation, if they decide to bring him back.

New York Mets, Atlanta Braves

Both the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves have been struggling to stay in contention, and both need starting pitching help. Both the Mets and Braves starting rotations are in the bottom five of the NL in terms of innings pitched by starters. They could offer Buehler a chance to right his season and boost their deficiency.

Philadelphia Phillies

The NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies recently lost their ace, Zack Wheeler, for the season. Replacing Wheeler with a pitcher of Buehler’s background could be a welcome addition, and for Buehler, could be a relatively low-pressure option.

Usually, Philly isn’t known for lowering pressure on players, but Buehler would join one of the best rotations in baseball if he joined the Phillies. He could allow them to move to the 6-man rotation they planned before the Wheeler injury or allow Buehler to bolster their bullpen with his experience.

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees have been struggling in a lot of areas as they have fallen behind Boston in the standings with their recent scuffles. A big-name pitcher, with extensive World Series experience, just sounds like something the Yankees would do, doesn’t it?

Chicago Cubs

One final option could be the Chicago Cubs. Similar to Philadelphia, the Cubs are down an ace as they head towards the end of the regular season. Justin Steele was lost for the season due to elbow surgery, and Chicago’s remaining staff have struggled to maintain consistency.

The Cubs are losing touch with MLB’s current best record team, the Milwaukee Brewers, in their division, but are definitely looking for pitching reinforcements to hold off the San Diego Padres, Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Miami Marlins and Braves for the NL Wild Card.

All these teams will likely have a look at Buehler. His playoff resume is something you wouldn’t expect to come onto the market in September.

The evaluation they will no doubt have to make is whether he is healthy enough and prepared to be the Buehler all baseball fans are used to seeing in October.

Despite this setback and the negative outcome in Boston, it would not be shocking to see Buehler on the mound this postseason with a chance to add to his playoff legend.