The Los Angeles Dodgers made a bold decision this offseason: They did not extend Walker Buehler a qualifying offer, allowing him to test free agency.
Buehler, who had spent his entire career in Dodger Blue, ultimately signed a one-year, $21.05 million deal with the Boston Red Sox—the exact figure the Dodgers declined to offer.
With the right-hander showing promise early in spring training, Los Angeles may be second-guessing its choice. Nonetheless, Buehler's departure was not without reason.
After undergoing two Tommy John surgeries and struggling to regain his form in 2024—when he posted a disappointing 5.38 ERA over 75.1 innings—there were legitimate concerns about his durability and long-term effectiveness as a starter.
Los Angeles had to weigh their options carefully, and committing to Buehler as a rotation piece carried significant risk.
One idea floated in the past was transitioning Buehler to a bullpen role, possibly as the team’s closer. This could have allowed him to remain a Dodger while preserving his arm by reducing his innings workload.
Given his electric fastball and ability to perform in high-leverage situations, he could have thrived in that role. However, the Dodgers never pursued that path, and instead, Buehler found a new home in Boston.
As Buehler impresses in Red Sox camp, Dodgers fans might wonder if they made a mistake. In his spring debut, he struck out four batters over two innings, showing glimpses of the dominant pitcher he once was.
If he regains his 2021 form—when he posted a 2.47 ERA over 33 starts—the Dodgers could face major regrets, especially if their rotation encounters injuries or underperformance.
Of course, spring training results are far from definitive, and Buehler still has to prove he can handle an entire season. But with the Dodgers’ aggressive offseason spending and commitment to pitching depth, they felt they could afford to let him walk.
Time will tell whether this was the right move or if Buehler will make them regret not finding a way to keep him in Los Angeles.
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