The Boston Red Sox signed Walker Buehler to bolster their pitching staff ahead of the 2025 season, and he was a complete wild card.
His first two starts in the Red Sox organization reflected that belief. Buehler had pitched to a 8.68 ERA in 9.1 innings to start his tenure in Boston. He let up three homers and collected seven strikeouts and a walk along the way.
Since April 10, though, Buehler has looked like a new pitcher — or, more accurately, an old pitcher. He's allowed four runs over his three starts from April 10 against the Blue Jays to Patriots' Day against the White Sox. He's been throwing like his pre-Tommy John surgery self.
Buehler put his best foot forward on April 21 to help his team stave off another series loss to the White Sox, who were the worst team in baseball history just one year prior. Still, the Red Sox have had a difficult time against them and have given them three of their five wins on the young season. Buehler posted his longest start since May 8, 2022, to keep the Red Sox in the game despite a late defensive miscue and a rough performance from Aroldis Chapman. The righty threw 100 pitches in seven innings, clocked nine strikeouts and allowed just one run on four hits. He's lowered his ERA to 4.23 in 27.2 innings on the season.
Walker Buehler posts best Red Sox start on huge Patriots' Day stage against White Sox
Dealin' 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oU6q5K8NVG
— Red Sox (@RedSox) April 21, 2025
Buehler has pitched his way into the clear No. 2 spot in Boston's rotation, behind ace Garrett Crochet. The Red Sox expect Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito to join their staff in the coming days, but Buehler can still hold the job if he pitches like he did in his prime with the Dodgers.
Buehler earned two All-Star nods in his seven years in LA, but his best work came in 2021. He posted a 2.47 ERA and a league-leading 171 ERA+ with 212 strikeouts and 52 walks in 207.2 innings. He came in fourth place in the National League Cy Young Award race that year.
Buehler signed a one-year, prove-it deal with the Red Sox after a rough return to the Dodgers after his Tommy John surgery (5.38 ERA in 75.1 innings). He quickly expressed interest in signing with Boston long-term, and if he can muster more performances like his Patriots' Day outing, the Red Sox could justify pursuing such an arrangement.