Insider: 2 Teams Are Serious Suitors For Free Agent Walker Buehler

Walker Buehler struggled in his return to the mound in the 2024 regular season, coming back from Tommy John surgery. He went 1-6 and posted a 5.38 ERA with the Los Angeles Dodgers. But he certainly resembled his old ace-like self in the postseason, pitching 10 shutout innings through the NLCS and the World Series.

Baseball insider Jon Morosi has now labeled two teams as good fits and interested parties in Buehler as a free agent.

Atlanta Braves

"Think about their pitching staff right now. Max Fried, free agent. Charlie Morton, free agent. Spencer Strider, still coming back from elbow surgery. The Braves are close to home for him with his Kentucky roots. That's a nice fit for him."

Chicago Cubs

This wouldn't be the first time the Cubs jumped in and took on a Dodger who's fallen out of favor in LA. They had great success with Cody Bellinger after signing him to a free agent contract in 2023, and maybe they're hoping they could get the same type of payoff with Bellinger's ex-teammate Buehler. They are in need of rotation help.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Of course, we certainly can't rule out the incumbent. Buehler was 46-16 in his first five full seasons in LA, with an ERA around the 3.00 mark, and two All-Star appearances. The thought from many observers is that he might have to sign a one-year deal to prove he can stay healthy and perform for a full season now that his second Tommy John is behind him.