Walker Buehler Not Thinking About Free Agency, Says He Loves Being With Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers will enter the 2024 season with possibly the most loaded rotation in the major leagues. It’s one of the deepest rotations L.A. has had in a while, especially once Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler return.
Buehler is set to return to the mound early in the season after spending the last year and a half recovering from Tommy John surgery. It’s the second time in his career he’s had TJ surgery.
Not only is his return crucial to the Dodgers, but it’s also important for his future in MLB. After the 2024 season, he will be entering free agency for the first time in his career.
Although his impending free agency will be among the main talking points regarding the 29-year-old this season, that’s the last thing on his mind.
The two-time All-Star spoke with reporters, including FOX Sports Rowan Kavner, and said he’s not thinking about free agency — but he did make it clear he loves being with the Dodgers.
“I still haven’t gotten to pitch in a major-league game since two Junes ago,” Buehler said. “So, I think the other stuff kind of fades, at least for a while, right? Honestly, I probably won’t think too much about it until it happens. But I obviously love it here and love our team, so we’ll see what happens.”
—Walker Buehler, via FOX Sports
In early January, Buehler and the Dodgers avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $8.025 million contract.
The former All-MLB first-team pitcher was last on a big league mound in June 2022 against the San Francisco Giants. The right-hander has a career ERA of 3.02 with 690 strikeouts in 638.1 innings pitched.
He’s among the best pitchers in the league when healthy, and the Dodgers are hoping to get that version of him this year.
From 2018 to 2021, his four healthiest seasons, Buehler went 39-13 with a 2.82 ERA, 620 strikeouts, a 146 ERA+, 3.16 FIP, and a 0.98 WHIP in 95 games and 564 innings.
The Dodgers will have a big decision to make regarding Buehler’s future in L.A. past this season. Much of it will do with how Buehler performs and looks after returning from his second TJ surgery.
This is a make-or-break year for the 29-year-old.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and more!
