Red Sox Strike Deal to Add Two-Time All-Star Starting Pitcher to Rotation

The Boston Red Sox agreed to a one-year, $21.05M deal with Walker Buehler, pending a physical and incentives.

The contract matches the qualifying offer amount. Buehler and Nick Pivetta were both candidates for qualifying offers this offseason. The Dodgers declined to extend one to Buehler, while Pivetta rejected the Red Sox’s offer. This deal gives Buehler the same financial security as a qualifying offer, while the Red Sox add a veteran to their rotation.

Buehler, 30, posted a 2.82 ERA and 3.16 FIP from 2018-2021. He finished fourth in Cy Young voting in 2021. However, he struggled in 2023 with a 4.02 ERA before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June.

Returning in 2024, Buehler posted a 5.38 ERA and 5.54 FIP in 16 starts. He ended the season strong, allowing no runs in 10 postseason innings, including the NLCS and World Series.

Buehler’s injury history, postseason success, and inconsistent regular season made him an intriguing free agent. He received interest from teams like the Red Sox, Tigers, Cubs, Mets, Yankees, and Braves. Though a multi-year deal seemed possible, he chose a one-year contract for a higher salary.

Adding Buehler strengthens the Red Sox’s rotation, which already has upside with Garrett Crochet, Lucas Giolito, and Tanner Houck. Depth is also provided by Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, and Richard Fitts, with Quinn Priester and Michael Fulmer further down the depth chart.

Buehler’s deal pushes the Red Sox’s 2025 payroll above $175 million, nearing the luxury tax threshold at $212 million. The team now focuses on adding a right-handed bat, possibly an outfielder like Teoscar Hernández or an infielder like Alex Bregman.