The Boston Red Sox's experiment with Walker Buehler has been a fiasco so far. Once one of the most promising pitchers in baseball, Buehler had struggled mightily due to injuries since 2021. After the 2024 World Series champion signed a one-year, $21.05 million deal with Boston, there was optimism that Buehler could ride his strong postseason performance to a bounce-back year.
That has not been the case so far for Buehler. The 30-year-old has struggled mightily in his first season with the Red Sox, with a 6.45 ERA and 1.58 WHIP through 14 starts. While he has been better than average in terms of limiting hard contact, he has poor strikeout and walk numbers.
The worst part is that this was foreseeable. Although Buehler was good in October last year, he didn't have a good year in 2024, with a lowly 5.38 ERA and 1.553 WHIP. Move him from pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium to hitter-friendly Fenway Park, and you have a recipe for disaster.
However, the Red Sox might be able to wiggle their way out of Buehler's contract by taking advantage of the desperation of contending teams. In spite of Buehler's struggles, there has been trade speculation as the deadline nears. That could bail the Red Sox out of this mess.
Red Sox might find trade partner for Walker Buehler before trade deadline
Walker Buehler looked sharp in his first inning since returning from the IL! #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/tYoTZpLOA1
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 20, 2025
Bleacher Report's Zachary Rymer recently discussed eight possible trade partners for the Red Sox in a potential Buehler deal. The number one team on his list was the San Francisco Giants. The Rafael Devers trade aside, this doesn't seem to be the best fit. While every team benefits from pitching depth, the Giants' pitching has been exceptional this year, as they've allowed the fifth-fewest runs per game of any team in MLB. Logan Webb has been his usual self and Robbie Ray has experienced a resurgence to lead the Giants' staff. Buehler wouldn't be a big improvement for them.
The Chicago Cubs, second place on Rymer's list, make a lot more sense. Their pitching staff has been abysmal since the injury to ace Justin Steele, and they could desperately use some depth. That being said, whether they'd take on Buehler's contract is another story.
In addition to the Giants and Cubs, Rymer also listed the Blue Jays, Tigers, Mets, Dodgers, Padres and Astros — basically any team in contention. Among these, the Mets seem like the most likely fit, as they just lost Griffin Canning and are willing to spend just about anything. Bottom line, there should be interest in Buehler, so the Red Sox will have a chance to unload his contract.