Walker Buehler, the 31-year-old right-handed pitcher, is entering free agency this offseason, drawing interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Yankees. After a challenging 2025 season, Buehler could benefit from returning to the Dodgers, the team where he first displayed his major league potential, although Philadelphia and New York are also strong contenders to add him to their pitching rotations.
Buehler’s Peak Performance Years with the Dodgers
Over seven seasons with Los Angeles, Buehler established himself as a top-tier starter, compiling a 47-22 record with a 3.27 ERA and a 3.50 FIP. His postseason performances were notably impressive, logging 94.2 innings with a 3.04 ERA, demonstrating his ability to pitch under pressure. Alongside pitching talents like Clayton Kershaw and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Buehler was considered an ace who could lead the Dodgers’ rotation despite battling injuries early in his career.
Following the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series victory, where Buehler recorded the final out, he signed a one-year, $21.05 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. However, his tenure in Boston was disappointing, as he posted a 7-7 record with a 5.45 ERA and a 5.89 FIP across 23 games, struggling to regain his form.
Strong Finish with the Phillies Highlights Revival Potential
Buehler’s fortunes turned late in the 2025 season when the Philadelphia Phillies acquired him. In three appearances, including two starts, he impressed by going 3-0 with a 0.66 ERA. His improved command of his fastball was a key factor in this resurgence, allowing his secondary pitches to become more effective.
“It’s a lot easier to get swing-and-miss when you throw stuff off of the heater,”
Buehler told Paul Casella of MLB.com in September.
“So most of the year, and even last year, I struggled a lot with the fastball command. … If I can get my arm to the right slot and to move the way I want and all this baseball mumbo jumbo stuff, the feel of everything kind of comes back.
There’s room for kind of an uptick, hopefully, but to be able to execute and make some pitches is a great first step.
Buehler’s presence was also impactful off the field. Veteran Phillies player Bryce Harper praised Buehler’s fit within the team’s culture and his invaluable experience in high-pressure games.
“He fits right in; fits into that mold of being a Philadelphia baseball player,”
Harper stated.
“Obviously, he’s pitched in big situations, big moments, deep into the postseason. So getting a guy like that in our clubhouse is huge for us.”
Potential Role with the Yankees Amidst Rotational Injuries
The New York Yankees are another possible destination for Buehler, as they look to strengthen their pitching depth. With starters such as Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Max Fried expected to contribute, injuries have left the rotation vulnerable. Adding Buehler could allow the Yankees to shift some bullpen arms like Paul Blackburn or Ryan Yarbrough to relief roles while Cole and Rodon recover.
Future Outlook for Walker Buehler’s Career
While it remains unclear where Walker Buehler will sign, his recent performances suggest that his career is far from finished. A return to Los Angeles could offer familiarity and stability, but the Phillies and Yankees also present strong opportunities for Buehler to reclaim his status as a frontline starter. His ongoing free agency will likely be closely watched by multiple teams seeking to add depth and experience to their pitching staffs.
