Walker Buehler on Potential Dodgers Extension Talks: ‘My Phone is Always On’
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler is set to become a free agent next year. After dealing with injuries and his second Tommy John surgery, Buehler has been off the field more often than not the past two years.
He’s entering his final year of arbitration with the Dodgers this year before hitting free agency, but sounds like he would be open to discussing a contract extension with the team.
“My phone is always on. But also I understand that I haven’t played in 22 months or whatever. I think in their situation I wouldn’t go and hand me a bunch of money until they know that I’m good. They don’t have to. I understand it.”
— Walker Buehler, via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register.
Of course, those injuries have kept Buehler from becoming a long-term signing for the team as of now. Once healthy, Buehler is set to return as the fifth piece of the Dodgers’ starting rotation. Then, he’ll get the opportunity to prove he’s worth either a long-term deal with the Dodgers, or with a future team in free agency.
He made it clear to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register that he’s happy in Los Angeles.
“I obviously want to be here and play here and I love this team. But I can’t force anything. And also I’m not naive to the fact that I need to go play and pitch well. I don’t think free agency is super exciting if you’re not very good.”
— Walker Buehler, via Bill Plunkett of the OC Register.
If Buehler can return to the level he played at before his injuries in 2022, it would not be surprising at all to see him secure a big deal. At his best, Buehler is a two-time All-Star and All-MLB first team caliber player that would be the frontline starter on a lot of teams.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
With Gonsolin and May still out there and with some good looking kids on the farm, they may not attempt to sign Walker. I think they look at Ohtani, Yamamoto, Miller, and Glasnow as locks for 2025. That leaves only one spot in the rotation (or two with a 6-man). You can never have too much pitching, but Walker won’t come cheaply.