Walker Buehler Needs To Be a Dodger For Life After Legendary 2024 World Series Performance
Walker Buehler just cemented himself as one of the greatest postseason performers in Major League Baseball history.
Buehler, who had the worst regular season of his career coming off his second Tommy John surgery, was only starting for the Dodgers in October out of necessity.
Buehler had a 5.38 ERA across 16 starts and even took a midseason break on the injured list to try to get right.
At one point, he was a long shot to make the postseason roster. However, he was then the No. 3 starter and did nothing but dominate, especially in the World Series.
In Game 3 of the World Series, Buehler pitched five shutout innings at Yankee Stadium to give the Dodgers a 3-0 lead. Then, when there was no one else to pitch, Buehler entered Game 5 in the bottom of the ninth inning two days later and retired the Yankees in order to give L.A. their eighth World Series in franchise history.
Buehler is set to hit free agency this offseason. While he was initially expected to have a quiet market, it’s safe to say Buehler earned himself a massive payday this postseason.
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
I wouldn’t quite say a massive “massive” payday yet. But he does deserve more loyalty from the Dodgers with the improvement he made as the post season went on. You knew what you were going to get with Buehler once he decided to pitch a new way which he showed in the post season. He had to use his entire arsenal and use his once dominant fastball as a show pitch to make his slider, sinker and curve more dangerous. And good for him. Its not easy to learn to pitch again. But he did it, and saved the Dodgers in Game 5 of the WS.
Kudos to Walker for a great WS including the save for the Championship. Really he had an outstanding postseason, with the exception of that one game against the Padres where the Dodgers gave away 3 outs in the inning, although they weren’t listed as errors so they counted as earned runs. But most pitchers are going to have a blow up inning if they in essence have to get 6 outs.
Unfortunately, overall it was a weak season. My prediction, and I’m no expert, is he signs a one year contract somewhere hoping for a good season so he can then sign a multiyear and hit the jackpot financially. But with his injury history I don’t see anyone offering up a big money multiyear contract now. Yeah, he still has potential, but he’s already 30 which is no kid in baseball terms.
Be nice to see him back with the Dodgers, but best of luck to him where ever he lands.
If it was a weak season, it was that he wasn’t fully recovered from his 2nd TJ surgery. He trended very positively toward the latter part of the season and in the playoffs. He’s healthy, finally. I hope LAD is smart enough to bring him back. Age is nothing. Look at Cole who is a few years older. Look at Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander in their late 30s just a few years ago. And finally, he’s better than most of the guys we’re hoping to get back next year. LAD needs to be wise and sign him. We don’t know if May will pan out, Stone is out for the whole year, as is a young and inexperienced River Ryan. Who knows how Shohei will do in performing following his 2nd TJ – and also 30. Miller has the physical skills but seems to have lost confidence or mental sharpness on the mound. Glasnow won’t last a full season. Kershaw is back on a player option, but unknown health now/ Gonsolin? Unknown. Buehler is a known quality big game pitcher and he’s needed. Like you, I hope they make the right decision. A one year deal? Then let that be here with a club/player option for 2026.
Agree with most of the comments regarding Walker but would also add that after Two surgeries, the way he cranks his arm in delivery especially in all the breaking pitches he is now throwing, unfortunately that doesn’t bode well staying away from more arm problems.