Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler has been fairly successful in his seven big league seasons. The righty has made 122 starts, all for the Dodgers, despite multiple serious arm injuries over the years.
He’s a free agent this winter and it’s unlikely the Dodgers bring him back. Buehler is coming off a season in which he was worth -1.3 WAR and the Dodgers have already added pitcher Blake Snell to their rotation.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic anticipates Buehler going elsewhere. Bowden recently predicted the Dodgers righty to sign a two-year, $42 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers desperately need to add a few starters behind American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.
“The Tigers could use a veteran starter to help solidify their rotation, and Buehler, who comes with a history of postseason success, would be a good fit. After two Tommy John surgeries, the 30-year-old remains a high medical risk, but one that’s worth taking given his top-of-the-rotation talent when he’s pitching at his peak,” Bowden wrote. “His impressive postseason performance should get him at least $42 million in guaranteed money, but he also deserves an opt-out clause to go back on the market next offseason if he stays healthy and pitches well.”
Giving up $42 million might be an overpay for Buehler, but the Tigers likely won’t be able to compete for the other top arms on the market. If they could land him for closer to $30 million, I would feel a lot better about this deal for the Tigers, but given the fact that Luis Severino landed a three-year deal worth nearly $70 million, this might be Buehler’s market.
