Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Red Sox Trade Idea Sends Walker Buehler to AL East Rival

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 7:45 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox are one of the most intriguing teams to watch ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline. Currently nine games back of the AL East and 3.5 behind a Wild Card spot, the team is hoping an influx of young talent, including top prospect Roman Anthony, can jumpstart their winning ways. However, the more they slip in the standings, the odds they sell at the deadline get increasingly higher.

If Boston decides to cut their losses, Jim Bowden of the Athletic identified the Toronto Blue Jays as a top suitor for starting pitcher Walker Buehler.

The Blue Jays are one of the surprise teams in the American League. Sitting atop the AL Wild Card standings with a 37-30 record and just four games back of the New York Yankees for the AL East lead, Toronto has every reason to be aggressive at the trade deadline.

Although marquee free agent signing Anthony Santander and franchise cornerstone Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have underperformed thus far, if both stars can find their stride and accompany George Springer and Bo Bichette in carrying the offense, the Blue Jays' deadline strategy shifts to improving the starting rotation.

Buehler has struggled this season with a 5.18 ERA and 3.1 walks per nine. Despite his accumulated stats indicating poor performance, Buehler has shown signs of his former self this season. During a five-game stretch in April, Buehler totaled a 3.68 ERA and 26 strikeouts across 29.1 innings.

If Boston is open to trading Buehler to a division rival, he would slot in behind Jose Berrios as the Blue Jays’ fourth starter and deepen FanGraph’s 28th-ranked rotation.

Buehler is not the consistent pitcher he once was, but in streaks, he has proven to be a capable starter good enough to anchor a starting rotation. Who knows, getting out of Boston and back into a winning environment could reinvigorate the two-time All-Star and be involved in a rare win-win trade for both teams.

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

More must-reads: