Phillies Stay or Go: Walker Buehler

Walker Buehler‘s 2025 was all over the place.

Coming off a World Series championship with the Dodgers, an organization he grew up in, he signed a one-year, $21.05 million deal with Boston, which went south quickly. He posted a 5.45 ERA in 22 starts with the Red Sox before being released on August 29.

The Phillies, who were in search of pitching depth with the loss of Zack Wheeler, signed Buehler to a minor league deal, and he was not too bad in his three appearances. Buehler only threw 13.2 innings and allowed just one run, and struck out eight.

Buehler, back in his Dodger says, was a reliable starter for one of the top teams in the National League. After his second Tommy John surgery in 2022, Buehler began to falter. It led to him becoming a Red Sox, pitching the worst he ever did, and then he ended up in Philadelphia. His recent struggles will certainly drive his price down, which could make him retainable.

And Buehler could be important in 2026. Wheeler’s timeline is unknown, and will he look like himself after this? Ranger Suarez will probably be with a different organization, Aaron Nola enters as a wild card, and no one seems to know when or if Andrew Painter will see the light of day in the majors.

The Phillies will need starting pitch depth at least to start next season.

However, the Phillies have other priorities. They have an outfield to figure out. Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto are at the top of the list as well. Buehler also did enough in 2025 to cost some cash this offseason. The 30-year-old is projected to be worth $10 million on the open market; however, he will be looking to cash in.

In conclusion…

FINAL VERDICT: GO

The Phillies have to use their money in other places this offseason, and spending over $10 million on a depth piece, to me, is really not worth it.

Get New Articles Emailed Right To Your Inbox: