Red Sox release disappointing veteran

The Boston Red Sox had hoped that pitcher Walker Buehler would be able to build off of a solid postseason performance and return to form. 

Those hopes never materialized as Buehler struggled through an inconsistent 2025 campaign, posting a 5.45 ERA and a 1.558 WHiP over his 112.1 innings, striking out 84 batters with 55 walks. He struggled to pitch deep into games, completing at least six innings in just eight of his 22 starts. 

With prospect Payton Tolle set to make his major league debut, the Red Sox needed to clear a roster spot. Chris Cotillo of Masslive.com reported that the Red Sox released Buehler, ending his disappointing tenure in Boston.

Buehler appeared to be on the cusp of becoming another impressive starting pitcher early in his career with the Dodgers. A two-time All-Star, Buehler posted a 2.82 ERA and a 0.989 WHiP in his 564 innings from 2018 through 2021, striking out 620 batters with 137 walks. 

Trouble began in 2022. Buehler struggled through the season before undergoing his second Tommy John surgery, which cost him the entire 2023 season and part of the 2024 season. Although he struggled upon his return, Buehler performed well in the NLCS and World Series, firing 10 shutout innings between the two rounds. Buehler earned the save in Game Five of the World Series, striking out two out of the three batters he faced as the Dodgers won the championship.

His former dominance and strong postseason led to the Red Sox handing Buehler a one-year contract with $21.05 million guaranteed. Although Buehler did show flashes of his previous form, he was unable to consistently be the pitcher the Red Sox needed as they cling to a playoff berth. Meanwhile, Tolle had posted a 3.04 ERA and a 0.993 WHiP over 91.2 innings, striking out 133 batters with 23 walks as he rocketed through three levels. His ascension has led to Buehler's exit as their one-year gamble failed to pay off.