A fiery start to the season has fizzled for Walker Buehler, who has struggled since returning from a month-long stint on the injured list.
Buehler, sidelined with right shoulder bursitis, returned in late May but hasn’t looked like the same pitcher who impressed early in the year. After a pair of shaky outings — including one in March — the veteran right-hander rebounded with a strong April, going 4–0 with a 3.68 ERA over five starts. It appeared Buehler was regaining his form after a difficult 2024 campaign, salvaged by a stellar postseason run with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Since his return, however, the results have only worsened.
The Downward Spiral
In three May appearances, Walker Buehler went 0–2 with a 4.85 ERA and was ejected in his first game back on May 20 against the New York Mets. June has been even rougher. He’s posted a 1–2 record with a staggering 11.57 ERA over four outings — the ninth-worst mark in Major League Baseball during that span.
Through 13 starts this season, Buehler owns a 5–5 record with a 6.29 ERA.
Once viewed as a top-three arm in the Red Sox rotation, Buehler is now fighting just to stay in it — especially as Boston finds itself in desperate need of a high-end starting pitcher.
With the July 30 MLB trade deadline approaching, Buehler could be on the move. The Red Sox may consider packaging him in a deal alongside outfielder Jarren Duran, another name surfacing in trade speculation. Bundling those two with a prospect from the farm system could net a strong return — potentially even the frontline starter Boston has been lacking.
Fan Perspective
While a trade involving Duran would likely spark backlash from the fan base, Buehler’s situation is different. After weeks of struggles, fans on social media have already begun to turn on the right-hander. His departure would be far less controversial — and perhaps even welcomed by some.
Still, Buehler has proven what he can do in October. Despite one of the worst statistical stretches of his career, he’s working under the guidance of respected pitching coach Andrew Bailey. A phantom IL stint or brief trip to the minors to refine his mechanics might be enough to spark a return to form.
Will Craig Breslow Make the Move?
Whether the Red Sox hold onto Buehler or include him in a deadline package, his future remains one of the more intriguing storylines to watch. Other teams could still see his upside and take a flyer on his postseason pedigree — and that might be enough to get Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow to make a bold move.