Right-hander Walker Buehler (30), who led the Los Angeles Dodgers to victory in the 2024 MLB World Series, has confirmed his transfer to the Boston Red Sox.
The Boston club officially announced on the 24th (Korea Standard Time) that Buehler signed a one-year short-term contract. According to MLB.COM, Buehler signed a contract worth 21.05 million dollars including incentives.
Buehler is considered a franchise star who made his debut with the Dodgers in 2017 and played until this season.
The right-hander fireballer was named a two-time All-Star in 2019 with a 14-4 record with a 3.26 ERA and a 16-4 record with a 2.47 ERA in 2021.
Recently, however, he failed to meet expectations due to injury. He underwent Tommy John surgery during the 2022 season, but failed to take the mound in the 2023 season.
He returned this year, but lost 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA in 75 ⅓ innings in 16 regular league games.
In the big league, he recorded 47 wins and 22 losses with a 3.27 ERA in 131 games.
However, Buehler contributed to the Dodgers' victory by pitching hard on the postseason stage.
He pitched in 15 innings in four fall baseball games, striking out 13 players. Notably, he started Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees and became the winning pitcher by allowing no runs on two hits in five innings, and took the mound in the bottom of the ninth inning when he was leading 7-6 in Game 5.
Although he played well in the World Series, Buehler had difficulties in signing a contract with the Dodgers. The Dodgers were reluctant to sign a long-term contract with Buehler, who was often injured.
Eventually, Buehler signed a one-year, short-term contract with the Boston Red Sox in the American League East 메이저놀이터. After proving his value in the 2025 season, he will return to the FA market and seek a massive contract.
"Buehler's October pitching gave Boston confidence that he is still a solid starting pitcher," MLB.COM said. "He will be included in the team's starting rotation."