Dodgers Expected to Sign Familiar $21M Starting Arm, 2-Time Champ

The Boston Red Sox’s offseason signing of Walker Buehler was supposed to be one of the headline moves of the winter. It was a high-risk, high-reward gamble on a pitcher with proven postseason pedigree.

Boston pictured the former Los Angeles Dodgers ace anchoring their rotation, hoping to defend their recent World Series crown. By midseason, though, that vision had unraveled.

Buehler put together a string of rough outings. His effectiveness dipped, and he soon lost his place in the starting rotation.

That set off a series of roster moves. Now, MLB fans and analysts can’t help but wonder if a Dodgers reunion could be on the table—and if so, in what way?

From Optimism to Release: Boston’s Gamble on Walker Buehler

When the Red Sox signed Buehler, they were betting on a bounce-back year from a pitcher once among baseball’s elite. He arrived with a storied career in Los Angeles, highlighted by clutch October showings and a World Series ring.

But his Boston stint never really found its footing. Struggles with command and inconsistent velocity kept him from stringing together quality starts.

He tumbled down the depth chart. The front office quickly started looking at internal alternatives.

Internal Options Take the Spotlight

Boston’s first move was recalling Richard Fitts, a right-hander from Triple-A Worcester in August. Attention soon shifted to Kyle Harrison, a young lefty who came over in the Rafael Devers trade.

Harrison impressed during his short time in Worcester, posting a 3.69 ERA over 46.1 innings. That performance hinted at some longer-term promise for the Red Sox rotation.

But the roster churn didn’t end there. Just a week after bringing Fitts up, the Red Sox released Walker Buehler outright.

That move made space for top pitching prospect Payton Tolle. Tolle’s rise through the system had been turning heads inside the organization.

The Dodgers Angle: Speculation and Strategy

Buehler’s release immediately set off talk about a return to the Los Angeles Dodgers. That’s the team where he made his name.

While a move back to the West Coast isn’t a sure thing, a lot of analysts agree his familiarity with the Dodgers’ pitching setup could make him an attractive depth piece.

Dodgers Rotation Depth and Postseason Plans

Right now, the Dodgers have one of the deepest rotations in baseball. Their staff is headlined by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Clayton Kershaw, and Shohei Ohtani.

With that kind of firepower, it’s tough to see Buehler cracking the rotation. Still, as any postseason veteran knows, you can never have too much pitching come October.

Injuries, fatigue, and matchup quirks always seem to pop up late in the year. If cracks appear, Buehler’s experience and mental toughness might make him a fit for a bullpen-amid-struggles/”>bullpen conversion.

His high-octane stuff could play up in short bursts out of the pen.

Why a Reunion Could Make Sense

The Dodgers know what Buehler brings when the lights get brightest. He’s delivered some of his best work in the postseason, shutting down elite lineups under pressure.

• Experience Under Pressure: Buehler has pitched in multiple elimination games and thrived.
• Organizational Familiarity: He’d have almost no adjustment time if he returned.
• Potential Bullpen Weapon: His velocity and breaking stuff might play even better in relief.

The Bottom Line

Walker Buehler’s short stint in Boston didn’t really follow the plan. Still, that doesn’t mean his 2024 season is finished.

The Dodgers have a deep roster right now, but maybe they see some value in keeping Buehler nearby. You never really know when a team chasing a title will need one more experienced arm in October.

In baseball, the line between success and disappointment feels razor-thin. A big signing can get cut loose in a flash, and sometimes a released player turns into a postseason hero.

Buehler’s built his name on stepping up when it counts. Maybe there’s still a little drama left for him this season. Wouldn’t that be something?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers predicted to sign familiar face, $21M starting arm, 2-time World Series Champion