Walker Buehler Signs Phillies Contract After Red Sox Exit, Eligible for MLB Playoffs

Walker Buehler didn't stay a free agent for long.

The Philadelphia Phillies agreed to terms with the right-hander on a contract and assigned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the team announced Sunday.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Buehler is eligible to suit up in the postseason.

Buehler was released by the Boston Red Sox on Friday after signing a one-year, $21.05 million contract to join the team in Dec. 2024.

For the Phillies, they'll pay Buehler one month of the minimum salary at $760,000 (via Matt Gelb of The Athletic).

The 31-year-old struggled in Boston prior to his release, owning a 5.45 ERA in 23 appearances to go along with 1.558 WHIP. Opposing batters compiled a .272/.363/.460 slash line against him.

The Red Sox eventually moved Buehler from their rotation to the bullpen, but the change didn't help. He gave up two earned runs in 2.1 innings of work as a relief option in his final game with the team.

Buehler posted a 3.02 ERA from 2017-22 on the Los Angeles Dodgers and made two All-Star appearances over that span. He was forced to miss the entire 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, though.

He's struggled to capture his All-Star form upon returning, owning a 5.42 ERA across 39 combined games with the Dodgers and Red Sox over the past two years.

Buehler is expected to operate in a starting rotation role for the Phillies, per ESPN's Buster Olney.

Philadelphia will hope that he can begin to turn his season around and help the team end its 2025 campaign on a high note, currently holding a 6.5-game lead atop the National League East with a 79-57 record.