Dodgers, Walker Buehler Discussing New Contract: Report
The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly in talks with Walker Buehler about a possible return, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Buehler etched his name in franchise history after an unforgettable postseason performance.
Now that the offseason has arrived, the two-time World Series champion must figure out which team he will land with in free agency. Although Buehler didn’t have a strong regular season, he had a dominant performance in October.
The future of Buehler’s career greatly rested on his performance in 2024. After recording a 5.38 ERA in the regular season, the Dodgers asked Buehler to be one of three starting pitchers in the rotation, solely out of necessity.
The injuries to the pitching staff propelled Buehler to a starting spot for the Dodgers’ postseason run. Against all odds, Buehler proved he was the pitcher teams wanted in big games.
The 30-year-old showed his best stuff against the San Diego Padres, New York Mets, and New York Yankees.
He most notably came in to close out Game 5 of the World Series as the Dodgers had already used most of their relievers in the bullpen. On just one day of rest after throwing five shutout innings in Game 3 of the World Series, the right-hander volunteered to pitch in relief.
Buehler’s willingness to take the mound for the Dodgers was a testament to the identity of the 2024 Dodgers. He became one of four pitchers all-time to record a win as a starting pitcher and a save in a single World Series.
Furthermore, Buehler ended October having thrown 13 consecutive scoreless innings. In 19 career World Series innings, Buehler has given up one run and has an incredible 0.47 ERA.
After his performance in the postseason, Buehler has definitely opened up opportunities for himself this winter. The latest news indicates that his career may continue with the Dodgers for another season or multiple seasons if the two parties are already discussing a return.
However, the offseason is a rollercoaster and fans should prepare themselves for quite the ride. There are several question marks surrounding a number of players on the 2024 roster, but as the saga of the offseason unfolds, it should become clear what next year’s team will look like.
Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-MLB
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