Dodgers Explore Reunion with Former Ace Walker Buehler
The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly considering a reunion with their former star pitcher, Walker Buehler, amid a tumultuous 2023 season that saw him donning the jerseys of both the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies. As free agency opens, the Dodgers are eyeing Buehler, whose past brilliance has not completely faded despite a rough recent performance.
Buehler’s Rollercoaster Season
Jeff Passan of ESPN.com recently categorized the free agent landscape into tiers, with Buehler finding himself listed among the ‘Mid-Tier Starting Pitchers.’ At 31 years old, the right-hander’s journey this past year was anything but smooth. Over the course of the season, he posted a 10-7 record with a 4.93 ERA, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering which version of Buehler might emerge in the future.
Despite the lackluster numbers, Passan notes that Buehler is a “prime bounce-back candidate.” The data reveals a mixed bag; while he excelled at limiting hard contact—ranking in the 82nd percentile for average exit velocity—his overall performance metrics tell a different story. Buehler fell into the 10th percentile or lower in several key areas, including strikeout percentage, whiff percentage, expected batting average (xBA), and expected ERA (xERA).
Adapting to New Realities
Gone are the days when Buehler could rely solely on his high-octane fastball to dominate hitters. The new reality points toward a pitcher who must navigate games with a more strategic approach, mixing pitches instead of overpowering opponents. His past success, particularly highlighted during a standout stretch in the 2024 World Series, suggests that he still possesses the competitive spirit and emotional intensity needed to thrive, even if his velocity has waned.
There’s potential for Buehler to carve out a niche as a long reliever, providing valuable innings out of the bullpen while also being available for the occasional spot start. His experience and postseason pedigree could be invaluable assets for a team looking to bolster their pitching staff.
A Unique Opportunity
As the Dodgers weigh their options, the prospect of bringing back Buehler presents a unique opportunity. While his recent struggles might raise eyebrows, the combination of his veteran presence and playoff experience is not something that can often be found on the market, especially at a potentially discounted rate.
With questions surrounding his health and performance, the Dodgers will need to carefully evaluate how Buehler fits into their plans. However, rekindling the flame with a former ace could be a gamble that pays off, should he regain his form and contribute effectively to the team’s championship aspirations.
