Red Sox Part Ways with Star Pitcher Walker Buehler: What This Means for the Team

The Boston Red Sox have made a significant roster change by releasing right-hander Walker Buehler. This move comes as the team has selected rookie Payton Tolle for the roster. Recent reports, including one from Chris Cotillo of MassLive, confirmed the news before the official announcement.

Buehler was signed during the offseason on a one-year, $21.05 million deal, marking a hopeful bet on his recovery. He once shone as a standout pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers, finishing in the top rankings for the National League Cy Young Award multiple times. However, after undergoing Tommy John surgery twice, his performance took a downturn. Despite showing some promise during playoffs last season with a 3.60 earned run average over 15 innings, he struggled in the regular season.

In 2025, Buehler started 22 games for the Sox, posting a nearly identical 5.40 ERA, while only managing to strike out 16.5% of batters. His fastball averaged around 94 mph, a noticeable dip from his prime years when he typically threw in the 96-97 mph range. After moving to the bullpen, the Sox decided to part ways with him, perhaps in hopes of giving him a chance at a fresh start.

Interestingly, should Buehler join a new team before September 1, he would be eligible for postseason play. However, given his performance and the remaining $3.4 million on his contract, it seems unlikely a team would claim him off waivers. If he clears waivers, another team could sign him for the prorated minimum salary, providing an opportunity for a contender looking to fill a pitching gap.

As for the Sox, they’re currently positioned well in the playoff race with a record of 75-60. They sit just 3.5 games behind the Blue Jays for the American League East title and lead the Wild Card race. With a strong pitching lineup featuring Garrett Crochet, Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, and Dustin May, the Sox appear to be focusing on the immediate future and are ready to give Tolle a chance to step up.

By cutting ties with Buehler, the Red Sox have opted for a fresh approach, relying on the talents of their current pitchers and keeping an eye on potential playoff opportunities.



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