Dodgers’ NL West Rival Among Teams Showing Interest in Walker Buehler
Free agent pitcher Walker Buehler is still on the market. While many fans hope the Los Angeles Dodgers will bring Buehler back, an NL West rival has entered the sweepstakes for the starting pitcher.
Buehler remains one of the most established starting pitchers available this winter, but his representatives are looking for a multi-year contract that includes opt-outs, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
While there is no indication that the Dodgers have made traction orchestrating a reunion with Buehler, the San Francisco Giants have taken an interest in the right-hander. The era of Buster Posey as the Giants’ president of baseball operations is off to a strong start with the recent signing of star shortstop Willy Adames.
It’s been heavily speculated that the Giants will now look for starting pitchers to bolster the rotation. Corbin Burnes is still available, but adding Buehler would be a more cost-effective option for an organization that just spent $182 million on Adames.
The Giants signing Adames as their new franchise shortstop was a clear indication that San Francisco is hoping to emerge as a competitor next season. Adding starting pitchers would certainly aid the team’s efforts.
In the regular season, Buehler had a 5.38 ERA in 16 starts. Once the Dodgers reached the playoffs, Buehler flipped a switch. The right-hander, who had once struggled with his command, suddenly appeared to be in full form.
Buehler led the Dodgers to their third straight win in the Fall Classic in Game 3, and also volunteered to pitch in relief in Game 5 of the World Series. Buehler tossed 10 scoreless innings in the NLCS and World Series. His strong performance in October caught the attention of several teams.
The New York Yankees also had talked with Buehler before signing Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. The Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and others have shown interest in Buehler.
If Buehler lands in San Francisco, he would be a frequent opponent for the Dodgers next season.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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