This year was supposed to be the season the Red Sox got back into the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Three years of disappointing performances were supposed to be in the rearview mirror after their busy offseason.
From acquiring Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, and Alex Bregman in the offseason to calling up Kristian Campbell from Triple-A, the Red Sox were expected to be the old Red Sox again. But, yet again, they’ve underachieved, starting the season 30-34, and have fallen to fourth place in the A.L. East.
There are numerous reasons for the team’s disastrous start. Inconsistency has plagued this team, as the offense and pitching can’t seem to show up on the same day. Another reason is their new offseason addition, who was projected to complement Crochet in the starting rotation, has been a bust thus far.
Walker Buehler Is Officially a Bust
One area that the Red Sox wanted to improve upon from last year is their starting pitching. They did exactly that, trading for Garrett Crochet and signing Walker Buehler to a one-year, $21.05 million contract.
Crochet has become the team’s ace and has had a great start to the season, while Buehler hasn’t lived up to his contract. In nine starts with the Red Sox, Buehler is 4-3, posting a 4.44 ERA and 42 strikeouts through 46.2 innings.
Buehler started the season fine, going 4-1 with a 4.28 ERA, but missed some time due to shoulder inflammation. Since returning from injury, Buehler is 0-2 in three starts, posting a 4.85 ERA and 13 strikeouts through 13 innings.
Opposing hitters have been able to have their way against Buehler, homering in six of his nine starts and posting a .260 batting average against the two-time All-Star. The Red Sox signed Buehler with the intention of him becoming their second starter, yet he’s failed to play like one.
Buehler’s postseason performance showed signs of his old form after missing nearly two years due to Tommy John surgery. He posted a 3.60 ERA, 13 strikeouts through 15 innings, and secured his first career save in the Dodgers’ Game 5 win in the World Series versus the Yankees.
While Buehler had some solid outings before his injury, he just hasn’t been able to stay healthy and be the player he once was. He hasn’t played up to his contract and has struggled to regain his old form.
If Buehler can help the team turn things around and start playing to his standards, then signing him was a good deal. But for now, Buehler deserves the bust label.