SURE UPDATE: The Projected Rotation for the Red Sox After They Reportedly Signed Walker Buehler to a One-Year Deal
In a thrilling development that has caught the attention of Boston Red Sox fans and MLB enthusiasts alike, the team has reportedly signed former Los Angeles Dodgers ace Walker Buehler to a one-year deal. This signing, which addresses the Red Sox’s ongoing quest to strengthen their pitching staff, has massive implications for the rotation as the team looks to remain competitive in the American League East.
Buehler, known for his dynamic fastball, sharp curveball, and poised presence on the mound, brings much-needed experience and upside to a rotation that has faced its share of uncertainty over the past few seasons. The one-year deal suggests that Boston is looking for a short-term boost as they position themselves for both the immediate future and a potential playoff push in 2025.
Why Walker Buehler?
The signing of Buehler is a statement move from the Red Sox, who have had mixed results from their pitching staff in recent years. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, Buehler was expected to return to his elite form in 2023 but has instead dealt with a combination of recovery and inconsistent performance. However, Buehler’s potential is undeniable. When healthy, he has been one of the best pitchers in baseball, making him a prime candidate for a high-reward, low-risk signing for the Red Sox.
What Buehler brings to the table is far more than just the physical stuff on the mound. His poise in big moments, his experience in the postseason with the Dodgers, and his leadership qualities make him a natural fit for a Red Sox squad looking to contend for a playoff berth in a tough AL East division.
The Current State of the Red Sox Rotation
Heading into the 2025 season, the Red Sox pitching rotation is far from settled. In a division stacked with talent, the team needs to ensure that its pitching staff can compete with the likes of the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Tampa Bay Rays. The signing of Buehler brings a level of stability to a group that has experienced inconsistency over the past few seasons.
As things stand, the Red Sox’s rotation in 2025 would likely feature a blend of veteran presence, youthful promise, and high upside, with Buehler slotted into a prominent role.
Projected 2025 Rotation After Buehler’s Signing
Let’s take a deeper dive into the Red Sox’s projected rotation, post-Buehler signing.
1.Chris Sale
Chris Sale is the centerpiece of the Red Sox pitching staff, though his health has been a constant concern in recent years. When Sale is right, he remains one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers in baseball. However, after several injury-plagued seasons, the Red Sox are hoping for a full, healthy year from Sale in 2025. The addition of Buehler may help take some of the pressure off Sale, allowing the team to manage his workload and keep him fresh for the stretch run. With Sale anchoring the top of the rotation, the Red Sox will be counting on him to return to form and be a reliable ace for the team.
2.Walker Buehler
Slotted as the second starter, Buehler’s return from Tommy John surgery is expected to bring a significant boost to the rotation. While he may not be the same pitcher he was before the surgery, the potential for Buehler to reclaim his ace form is high. The Red Sox are likely to ease him into action, but his track record—highlighted by a 2.47 ERA in 2020—proves that he has the pedigree to be a top-of-the-rotation arm. The key for Buehler will be staying healthy and finding consistency in his first full season back.
3.Nick Pivetta
Nick Pivetta is a workhorse who has been a reliable fixture in the Red Sox rotation over the past few years. While his ERA can be a bit volatile, his ability to eat innings and contribute to the back end of the rotation makes him a valuable piece. Pivetta could slot in as the third starter, providing stability behind Sale and Buehler. His strikeout ability is a strong asset, though he’ll need to continue improving his command if he’s going to avoid giving up too many long balls.
4.James Paxton
Paxton was brought in as a high-risk, high-reward signing for the Red Sox, and the 2024 season was a mixed bag for him. Despite flashes of brilliance, the left-hander struggled with injuries and inconsistency. If Paxton can remain healthy and rediscover his form, he could be a huge asset to the Red Sox rotation. The Red Sox may use Paxton in a flexible role, allowing him to slot in as the fourth or fifth starter depending on matchups and performance. Paxton’s strikeout ability and veteran leadership could play an important role in the success of this rotation.
5.Brayan Bello
One of the more exciting young arms in the Red Sox system, Brayan Bello is expected to be a key part of the rotation in 2025. Bello has shown flashes of brilliance in his early MLB career, with a mid-90s fastball and an evolving slider. The Red Sox are hoping that he continues to develop, and he could be a valuable piece in the back end of the rotation. Bello’s upside makes him a wild card, and if he can command his pitches more consistently, he could take a significant step forward in 2025.
Depth and Flexibility
Beyond the projected starting five, the Red Sox have depth that provides flexibility. The likes of Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck, who have shown promise as starters and in relief roles, could also be candidates for rotation spots in the event of injuries or underperformance. The Red Sox will likely continue to experiment with their pitching staff throughout the season, and the return of Buehler gives them an additional piece to plug into the rotation when necessary.
Moreover, the signing of Buehler offers the Red Sox flexibility at the trade deadline. If Buehler performs well in the first half of the season, the team could look to flip him for additional assets or bolster their rotation even further. The Red Sox front office is known for being active during the trade deadline, and Buehler could be a valuable
