Walker Buehler’s move to the Boston Red Sox marks the end of an era for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who saw him as a key figure in their future. Buehler, who was instrumental in the 2024 World Series victory with a memorable strikeout at Yankee Stadium, has been with the Dodgers since being drafted in 2015. Despite his strong career trajectory, including two All-Star selections and a stellar ERA from 2018 to 2021, injuries, including a 2022 Tommy John surgery, led to his departure.
The Dodgers, who have been a dominant force in Major League Baseball since 2013, no longer have room for Buehler in their rotation. With new additions like Blake Snell, the return of key players, and a growing list of star prospects, Los Angeles has moved on from the pitcher who was once seen as the future of their staff. Buehler, a cerebral player with a passion for horse racing, represented the modern approach to pitching, combining analytics with a competitive spirit.
Buehler’s departure to Boston comes with the hope that he can regain his pre-surgery form and contribute significantly to the Red Sox rotation. At age 30, the Red Sox are betting that Buehler can return to the form that had him on a Hall of Fame trajectory before his elbow injury. His time in Boston will also reflect broader trends in pitcher development, particularly the heavy reliance on Tommy John surgery as a rite of passage for modern pitchers.
For the Dodgers, Buehler’s exit signifies the conclusion of a pivotal era in their history. His draft by the team in 2015 marked the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise, one that included a World Series title and numerous division championships. While Buehler will wear a different uniform, his influence on the Dodgers’ pitching philosophy and his lasting impact on the game will remain part of the team’s legacy.
Buehler’s career serves as a case study in how the game has evolved, with pitchers now routinely undergoing Tommy John surgery and adapting to a new kind of training and development. As the Red Sox hope for a return to form from Buehler, the Dodgers will reflect on the significant role he played in their success, even as they look to the future.
