Walker Buehler pitching well for the Red Sox obviously would be in the club’s best interest, but it also could accelerate his Boston exit.
Buehler and the Red Sox on Monday reportedly agreed to a one-year contract. The veteran right-hander long was expected to sign a short-term deal this offseason, as he needs to recharge his stock after coming off the second Tommy John surgery of his career.
Should Buehler pitch at the level that earned him Cy Young consideration in the past, he will be in prime position to cash in on the open market next year. That might make it difficult for Boston to re-sign the two-time World Series champion, but the club potentially could receive a parting gift of sorts if he leaves after only one season.
“Another perk for the Sox is if Buehler does perform near his pre-Tommy John levels they will be in position to offer him a qualifying offer at season’s end,” Audacy’s Rob Bradford wrote in a column published Monday.
If Buehler pitches at an All-Star level in 2025, he all but surely would reject a one-year qualifying offer after the season. But if the 30-year-old went on to sign a multi-year deal with a new team, the Red Sox would receive draft-pick compensation in return. Boston chose to take that route with Nick Pivetta this offseason, and it proved to be a great call by Craig Breslow and company.
Of course, it’s far too early for the Red Sox to worry about Buehler’s future. The focus should be on helping the two-time All-Star excel in a new-look rotation.
