Buehler, Buehler

The Red Sox missing out on Juan Soto may be the best thing that ever happened to them. It's not like they are a perennial playoff team missing that one piece to get them over the hump to obtain a World Series ring.

Instead, the Red Sox are a team that finished .500 last year and has finished last in the AL East three out of the last five years. This is not a team that is "one player away," as they say.

Unlike the Patriots, the Red Sox in 2024 showed progress and appear to be headed in the right direction. They got significant contributions from some young players like Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, and Justin Slaten. A couple of young players – Jarren Duran and Tanner Houck – took a huge leap to fulfilling their lofty expectations. A couple of other young players – Brayan Bello and Triston Casas – are hoping to make similar leaps this year.

But a team can't make the jump to World Series contender without some legitimate star power and veteran leadership. A deep, talented starting pitching staff also helps to hide many flaws.

Enter Garrett Crochet and, now, Walker Buehler. I advocated on passing on Soto and signing Buehler in a previous article. I advocated signing Buehler and Corbin Burnes would be far better for Boston than signing Soto in a vacuum.

Yesterday, the Red Sox did sign Buehler to a one-year "prove it to me" contract valued at just over $20 million. It is the kind of signing the Red Sox have become known for in recent years. They like shopping in the damaged good section of the MLB free agent store. It paid off with Michael Wacha and James Paxton. It failed with Corey Kluber. It remains to be seen with Liam Hendriks and Michael Fulmer.

The Red Sox didn't sign Burnes, but they took the very aggressive tact of trading with the lowly White Sox for one of the more talented young arms in the game. Garrett Crochet gives the Red Sox a legitimate ace – picture a James Paxton in his prime. Imagine if Boston were to go out and get Burnes, as well. Purchase your World Series tickets now, Sox fans.

It, most likely, won't happen. But a one-two-three punch of Crochet, Burnes, and Walker would be formidable. Complete the rotation with Houck and Bello at the back end of the rotation. Oh my. Those two were the top two of Boston's rotation last year.

Buehler is coming off, not one, but two Tommy John surgeries. What pitcher hasn't had Tommy John surgery at least once in their career? Often, pitchers come back even stronger after the surgery. That is a scary thought with Buehler.

Is Buehler just using the Red Sox? Sure. If he has a great season – and there is absolutely no reason to believe he won't – he will be free to cash in on a multi-year, $100+ million contract next offseason. Hopefully, Buehler likes it so much in Boston this year – and John Henry ponies up the money – that he will give strong consideration to staying here.

I hope he does because it will give me the opportunity to keep saying, "Buehler? Buehler?" in my head.

Pay no attention to his stats in 2024. He finished the year with a 1-6 record and a 5.38 ERA. That is not who he is. What he is is a fierce competitor who has impeccable control and can make hitters swing and miss on a consistent basis. It is not hyperbole to say he has Cy Young stuff. All he has to do is stay healthy.

This was a great signing by Craig Breslow. It is obvious his focus is to get more swing-and-miss pitchers. Brayan Bello, Tanner Houck, and Kutter Crawford formed the heart of the rotation last year and none of them averaged a strikeout per inning. They rely on putting the ball in play and the defense helping them out. That is a problem for the Red Sox.

Both Crochet and Buehler have proven they can strike out 200+ batters in a season. They help taking the fielding aspect thing out of the equation. The additions of Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson in the bullpen help to confirm that Breslow is focusing on pitchers who can keep hitters from putting the ball in play.

Rafael Devers breathes a sigh of relief and says thank you.