“Walker Buehler Finds New Calling: Red Sox Ink Highly Anticipated Pitcher to Break Springer Deal”
**Walker Buehler’s One-Year, $21.05 Million Deal: A High-Risk, High-Reward Signing for the Red Sox**
Walker Buehler, a 30-year-old right-hander, has agreed to a one-year, $21.05 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. The contract will guarantee Buehler $21.05 million, with a $25 million mutual option for the 2026 season. The deal also includes a signing bonus of $3.05 million, $15 million in base salary, and $3 million in mutual option buyouts.
The Red Sox’s one-year deal mirrors the guarantee of the qualifying offer, which is what the Dodgers declined to make to Buehler. This move allows Boston to add a veteran right-hander to its young rotation on a one-year deal, reflecting what they gave Nick Pivetta last month.
Buehler’s deal is significant because it includes a high-risk, high-reward element. The right-hander has struggled in recent years, including a mediocre 2022 season and a 5.38 ERA in 2024. However, he ended his season on a positive note with a 3.60 ERA in the World Series.
The addition of Buehler adds another arm with plenty of upside to an already loaded Red Sox rotation. If Buehler can return to his early-career form, he’ll form a formidable top two spot in Boston’s rotation with lefties Garrett Crochet and right-handers Lucas Giolito and Tanner Hawks.
**FAQ:**
* What is Walker Buehler’s one-year deal worth?
+ The deal is worth $21.05 million, with a $25 million mutual option for the 2026 season.
* What is the guarantee of the qualifying offer?
+ The qualifying offer is what the Dodgers declined to make to Buehler. The guarantee is $21.05 million.
* What is Walker Buehler’s injury history?
+ Buehler required Tommy John surgery in 2022 and struggled in his return to the major league mound in 2024.
* What is the Red Sox’s 2025 payroll?
+ According to RosterResource, the Red Sox’s 2025 payroll is just over $175 million. However, the number is much higher at just under $212 in terms of luxury tax.
* What are the priorities for the Red Sox this offseason?
+ The club’s priorities will shift toward adding a right-handed bat to the lineup, whether it’s an outfielder or an infielder.
**Conclusion:**
Walker Buehler’s one-year, $21.05 million deal with the Red Sox is a high-risk, high-reward signing. While Buehler has struggled in recent years, his addition adds another arm with plenty of upside to Boston’s rotation. The Red Sox’s rotation is now loaded, with Buehler joining Garrett Crochet, Lucas Giolito, and Tanner Hawks. The club’s priorities this offseason will likely shift toward adding a right-handed bat to the lineup.
