Walker Buehler joins Philadelphia Phillies after rocky season with Red Sox

In the United States, Walker Buehler, a right-handed pitcher, has recently been signed by the Philadelphia Phillies to a minor league contract after being released by the Boston Red Sox just a week prior. Buehler, 31, struggled during the 2025 season, finishing with a 7-7 record and a 5.45 ERA over 23 games, which included a stint in the bullpen prior to his release. The Phillies' acquisition is particularly timely as they lost ace Zack Wheeler, a Cy Young Award candidate, for the remainder of the season due to a serious injury requiring surgery. Buehler's addition is aimed at enhancing the team's rotation, which is expected to expand to a six-man setup soon. Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies' president of baseball operations, expressed enthusiasm about Buehler's signing, referring to him as a valuable asset for the team's postseason aspirations. He acknowledged that Buehler's recent performance has not been at his peak, but the team sees potential for improvement. In his previous standout seasons from 2018 to 2022, Buehler recorded a 45-16 record with a 2.95 ERA, showcasing his capability as a top pitcher. However, since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, his statistics have sharply declined, including a recent strikeout ratio that hit a career low. The Phillies are optimistic about reuniting Buehler with his past success as he heads to the Triple-A level to regain his form. He is slated to make a start for Triple-A Lehigh Valley before likely joining the Phillies' rotation on September 12 against the Kansas City Royals. Buehler is a two-time All-Star and has experience pitching in World Series, which adds to his appeal as the Phillies strive for a deep postseason run. With Buehler's storied career and the hope that he can recapture his earlier form, the Philadelphia Phillies aim to solidify their position in Major League Baseball’s postseason. Should he perform as anticipated, Buehler could play a pivotal role in the Phillies' quest for another World Series championship, following their previous success in recent years.