Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler was pretty mediocre for most of the 2024 season. In the regular season, Buehler posted a 5.38 ERA with six losses in 16 starts. Losing six of 16 starts with the loaded Dodgers is bad enough that Los Angeles could have given up on the righty while he was recovering from another arm injury.
But Buehler was dominant over his last 10 innings during the postseason. In three appearances including two in the World Series, the Dodgers righty surrendered no runs on five hits and four walks. He was so impressive en route to a World Series title that he may have earned himself a good-sized contract in free agency.
It likely won't be with the Dodgers though. If not the Dodgers, where will Buehler sign?
Prediction: Walker Buehler signs with the New York Mets. Three years, $45 million (opt-out after 2026).
The New York Mets have made a living out of turning pitchers who are down and out back into big-league arms. They did this with Sean Manaea and Luis Severino in 2024. They're building their rotation in the same manner right now. Adding Buehler would be the biggest, highest-reward reclamation project for the Mets to take on.
If Buehler pitches to his potential, the Mets would be adding a right-hander who could receive Cy Young votes. If Buehler looks anything like the pitcher who finished the 2024 postseason run with Los Angeles, he would be a steal for $15 million a year.