Walker Buehler Landing Spots: Predicting 3 teams that might target 2x All-Star coming off rough season with Dodgers
Walker Buehler had a tough time coming back from injury this year. The former ace had missed much of two seasons before getting back to regular pitching action in 2024. However, he struggled with an alarming 5.38 ERA. His FIP was 5.54, and he recorded -0.2 fWAR for a truly dismal season.
With that said, Buehler likely reset his market a little in the postseason. He was tabbed to be one of three starters for the Dodgers amid a rash of pitching injuries. He responded well, including being perhaps the most important pitcher in the World Series.
Buehler shut down the Yankees in Game 3 without allowing a run en route to a 4-2 win. Then, just two games later, he was back on the mound in relief in Game 5. He volunteered to pitch the ninth in a one-run game to close the series out, and he did.
Getting a win and a save in the World Series only adds to his value, and being the last pitcher out there in a championship win will live long in the memories of prospective teams. That, plus his old form as a Cy Young-level pitcher, could drum up more interest. Here are three teams that make sense.
Three spots for Walker Buehler in 2025
3) Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox currently have the worst starting pitcher depth after trading Garrett Crochet to the Boston Red Sox. They're not going to contend, but they could use him to flip for prospects.
Sign Buehler to a one-year deal and see if he can return to form. If he does, he's a fantastic trade chip, as pitchers are always in high demand and short supply. If he doesn't, he's a free agent again, and it didn't hurt a team that doesn't really need to get many wins this year.
2) San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are clearly interested in being competitive after signing Willy Adames. They aren't content with being around .500, and they need pitching.
They lost Blake Snell to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and their projected depth dropped to 24th out of all teams. Signing Buehler helps that, and it takes a fan-favorite player from the Dodgers. In response to LA nabbing Snell, the Giants can go after Buehler for more reasons than just revenge.
1) Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians have the lowest starting pitching depth by fWAR projections among all playoff teams from last year. They added Shane Bieber back to the mix, but they're still lacking at 27th out of 30 teams.
Adding Buehler could be great, as they have a strong pitching coaching staff that has worked well with veterans before. They turned Alex Cobb and Matthew Boyd into good pitchers, so why not try the same with Buehler? He has the pedigree to get back to a top level eventually.