The Philadelphia Phillies' 30-year-old right-hander Walker Buehler, who made a successful comeback to the team this season, may not have been given much credit due to his limited role. However, with the team's loaded rotation, Buehler could prove to be an invaluable depth piece if he can secure the right price tag next season.
Buehler's track record speaks for itself, having spent seven seasons as a solid rotation piece for the Los Angeles Dodgers before struggling with injuries and pitching poorly in Boston. His recent stint with the Phillies, where he pitched to a 0.66 ERA over 13.2 innings in three appearances, suggests that he still has some value left.
One of the key reasons Buehler's departure could be beneficial for the Phillies is their depth in the rotation. The team was severely tested last season when two of its top starters, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, were sidelined for substantial stretches. However, the Phillies' ability to maintain a strong starting pitching staff through savvy roster moves, such as acquiring Ranger Suárez, speaks to the importance of having reliable depth arms like Buehler.
While maintaining depth in the rotation is crucial, there are other priorities that take precedence when it comes to free agency. The Phillies need to focus on re-signing key players like Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, rather than splurging on a high-priced arm. With Harrison Bader and Nick Castellanos set to hit free agency, the team will need to address its outfield and make strategic decisions.
Buehler's value is substantial, with estimates suggesting he could command an eight-figure salary in free agency. However, his desire for a prime contract at age 30 raises questions about whether he would be willing to join a team without a guaranteed rotation spot. Ultimately, the Phillies will need to make a compelling argument and consider their budget constraints when deciding whether Buehler is worth the investment.
Buehler's track record speaks for itself, having spent seven seasons as a solid rotation piece for the Los Angeles Dodgers before struggling with injuries and pitching poorly in Boston. His recent stint with the Phillies, where he pitched to a 0.66 ERA over 13.2 innings in three appearances, suggests that he still has some value left.
One of the key reasons Buehler's departure could be beneficial for the Phillies is their depth in the rotation. The team was severely tested last season when two of its top starters, Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, were sidelined for substantial stretches. However, the Phillies' ability to maintain a strong starting pitching staff through savvy roster moves, such as acquiring Ranger Suárez, speaks to the importance of having reliable depth arms like Buehler.
While maintaining depth in the rotation is crucial, there are other priorities that take precedence when it comes to free agency. The Phillies need to focus on re-signing key players like Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, rather than splurging on a high-priced arm. With Harrison Bader and Nick Castellanos set to hit free agency, the team will need to address its outfield and make strategic decisions.
Buehler's value is substantial, with estimates suggesting he could command an eight-figure salary in free agency. However, his desire for a prime contract at age 30 raises questions about whether he would be willing to join a team without a guaranteed rotation spot. Ultimately, the Phillies will need to make a compelling argument and consider their budget constraints when deciding whether Buehler is worth the investment.
... i mean, we all know he's still got it after last season with philly 
but what if injuries come back? or what if he can't keep up with the young guns coming in 
like harper and rauner?
... buehler did bring that 0.66 era to the table last season 
so idk how much longer hes gonna be able to do that for us 
but i'm not sure if an 8 figure contract is worth taking that risk 
he's been underrated this whole season and i think he deserves way more credit for stepping up in philly 
his stats are straight fire 0.66 era over 13.2 innings is insane 
but idk how much the phillies can afford to pay him - $1m+ a year is steep even for a top arm 
. Eight figures is a lot of money, and I don't know if Buehler's 30 already feeling old for a guy who's gonna be pitching every 5th day 
... But at the same time, he still threw some amazing numbers last season 
. The Phillies are wise to be cautious with their budget, especially after splurging on Ranger Suárez last season 
.
. Will Buehler take a pay cut or join a team that offers him stability and a guaranteed rotation spot? Only time will tell 
.
! He was on fire with that 0.66 ERA stint with the Phillies 
. If they could get him to a good price (not too pricey, though 
) he'd be a solid addition to their rotation 
. And yeah, having that depth is key, but the Phillies gotta prioritize other signings first 
. They can't let Bader and Castellanos walk 
. Either way, it's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out 
!
️
. You don't know if they're gonna be a hit or miss, but you still appreciate the effort. And honestly, I think the Phillies would rather have him as a solid backup arm than nothin' at all 
. That way everyone's happy! 
. The fact that their rotation has been tested with Wheeler and Nola out last season highlights just how crucial it is to have reliable depth arms like Buehler... but at what cost? The Phillies need to make some tough decisions this offseason 
. The question now is if he can get paid the price for it 
. Now he's back with Philly and it seems like he's still got what it takes 
. But at 30, he's not getting any younger 
, so I don't know if he'll want to take a chance on a team without a set spot in the rotation 
.
. Like, he did some solid stuff in Philly but at 30, it's getting real for him to find a prime deal. The Phillies are trying to keep costs down on his expected 8-figure salary and I get that, but if they don't commit to him for a guaranteed spot, he might not wanna join 
and what's with the eight-figure salary estimate? seems crazy to me...
he's been through so much with those injuries and being benched in boston... but at the same time, the phillies did a great job of giving him a second chance and it paid off! 13.2 innings of 0.66 era is no joke 
buehler might not be the ace they're looking for, but as a depth piece, he's still worth it 
walker buehler's comeback story is so inspiring! it's crazy how injuries can derail someone's career, but he's still got some magic left in him 
13.2 innings with a 0.66 era? that's like, whoa! 