The Red Sox signed veteran right-hander Walker Buehler to a one-year contract in an attempt to bolster their starting rotation. Buehler’s career began a new chapter with the deal, which guaranteed him $21.05 million with further incentives. Buehler, who had been a Dodger all his life, had just sealed his place in baseball history by winning the 2024 World Series.

If Buehler could maintain his health and return to his best form, the Red Sox may reap huge rewards from their high-stakes gamble. Insiders claim that an additional $2.5 million in performance bonuses are also part of the deal. The length of time Buehler will remain is another matter. however the player did give us a hint at his introductory conference with the Red Sox.

Walker Buehler has long-term plans with Boston  

Now we know the deal is only for one year but what about after that? Buehler is only 30 years old. He still has a few prime years in him. In the Red Sox introductory press conference, Buehler shared his optimism about the move, saying, “Hopefully, I bring some value this year and get to play the rest of my career in Boston.” His words hinted at a desire for stability after years in Los Angeles, signaling that he saw Boston as a place where he could both reclaim his form and build a new chapter in his career. For Red Sox fans, it could be exciting, knowing that Buehler wasn’t just aiming to be a stopgap, but had bigger ambitions in the city.  

The Red Sox’s pitching staff would jump from being good to being absolutely dangerous if they could somehow acquire the greatest versions of Walker Buehler and Garrett Crochet in addition to a healthy Eduardo Sandoval. Add in Lucas Giolito, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Boston might have a potent rotation. You’re looking at a pitching depth chart that might compete with any in the league when you include Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford—three players who have the ability to light it up. The Red Sox may have the kind of staff that draws attention and makes postseason ambitions a genuine possibility if everything goes according to plan and they remain healthy.   

What if the former Dodger pitcher had gone into free agency earlier? 

If Walker Buehler had hit the open market after the 2021 season, when he was cruising with a 2.47 ERA over 33 starts, we’re talking about a monster payday. Teams would’ve been throwing money at him from all directions. But instead, his first time in free agency came at a much more unpredictable moment. After nearly two years recovering from Tommy John surgery, Buehler’s 2024 season was a bit of a rollercoaster. A 5.38 ERA over 16 starts wasn’t exactly the kind of showing that screams “ace,” but he had one more trick up his sleeve.

Enter the postseason. In a stunning turn, Buehler tossed 10 consecutive scoreless innings—including a perfect 1-2-3 ninth inning to seal the World Series. Suddenly, everyone was remembering just how good he could be when healthy. That postseason magic gave his market value a major boost. It wasn’t the 2021 version of Buehler, but it was enough to get teams thinking, “Hey, maybe there’s still some ace-level stuff left here.”

So, in the end, Buehler lands with the Red Sox on a one-year, $21.05 million “prove-it” deal. It’s the perfect setup for both sides. Buehler gets the chance to show he’s back to his old self and can set himself up for a massive payday next offseason. Meanwhile, the Red Sox get a guy with ace potential at a fraction of the cost. It’s a win-win if Walker Buehler can stay healthy and recapture his peak.