The Boston Red Sox have been busy in the offseason since 2024, positioning themselves for a strong playoff push in 2025. Their notable additions include starting pitchers Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler, as well as All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman.
Manager Alex Cora appears to have set Crochet and Buehler as the top two starters, and both have the potential to make a significant impact. Crochet, known for his powerful pitching, was essentially the one bright spot for the Chicago White Sox last season, while Buehler played a key role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ post season success route to a World Series title.
Buehler, who enjoyed seven seasons with the Dodgers that featured two All-Star selections and two World Series championships, felt it was time for a new challenge. Although the Dodgers were keen to retain him, Buehler opted for a one-year, $21.05 million free-agent deal with the Red Sox in December.
“It’s been exciting for me to be around a new group of guys and new coaches and see how they prepare,” Buehler told Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe. “There wasn’t anything about LA that I disliked. But given how I struggled last season, then have a cherry on the top, it seemed like as good a time as any to take the next step.”
Buehler hoping to regain his best form with Red Sox
The former Dodgers hurler took the mound for the final out of the World Series, raising his arms in celebration after retiring Jason Verdugo of the Yankees. This victory was particularly significant as it marked a return to form for Buehler, who missed the 2023 season and was limited to just 12 starts last year due to Tommy John surgery.
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow acknowledges that there are no guarantees with Buehler, yet he is impressed by what he’s seen.
“We noticed an uptick in his stuff during last year’s postseason and several signs that he’s ready for a standout 2025,” Breslow said. “We were thrilled to have the opportunity to bring in someone like Walker.”
Buehler had an exceptional season in 2021, finishing 16-4 with a 2.47 ERA, starting 33 games and striking out 212 batters in 207.2 innings. In 2019, he nearly matched that level of excellence, posting a 14-4 record with a 3.26 ERA, starting 30 games (including 2 complete games) and reaching a career-high 215 strikeouts in 182.1 innings.
