Walker Buehler Not Thinking About Free Agency, Says He Loves Being With Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers will enter the 2024 season with probably probably the most loaded rotation within the main leagues. It’s one of many deepest rotations L.A. has had shortly, particularly as soon as Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler return.

Buehler is set to return to the mound early in the season after spending the final yr and a half recovering from Tommy John surgical procedure. It’s the second time in his profession he’s had TJ surgical procedure.

Not solely is his return essential to the Dodgers, nevertheless it’s additionally vital for his future in MLB. After the 2024 season, he might be coming into free company for the primary time in his profession.

Though his impending free company might be among the many fundamental speaking factors concerning the 29-year-old this season, that’s the very last thing on his thoughts.

The 2-time All-Star spoke with reporters, together with FOX Sports activities Rowan Kavner, and mentioned he’s not fascinated about free company — however he did make it clear he loves being with the Dodgers.

“I nonetheless haven’t gotten to pitch in a major-league recreation since two Junes in the past,” Buehler mentioned. “So, I feel the opposite stuff sort of fades, at the least for some time, proper? Actually, I most likely received’t assume an excessive amount of about it till it occurs. However I clearly adore it right here and love our crew, so we’ll see what occurs.”

—Walker Buehler, via FOX Sports

In early January, Buehler and the Dodgers averted arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $8.025 million contract.

The previous All-MLB first-team pitcher was final on a giant league mound in June 2022 in opposition to the San Francisco Giants. The precise-hander has a profession ERA of three.02 with 690 strikeouts in 638.1 innings pitched.

He’s among the many finest pitchers within the league when wholesome, and the Dodgers are hoping to get that model of him this yr.

From 2018 to 2021, his 4 healthiest seasons, Buehler went 39-13 with a 2.82 ERA, 620 strikeouts, a 146 ERA+, 3.16 FIP, and a 0.98 WHIP in 95 video games and 564 innings.

The Dodgers may have a giant choice to make concerning Buehler’s future in L.A. previous this season. A lot of it is going to do with how Buehler performs and takes care of coming back from his second TJ surgical procedure.

This can be a make-or-break yr for the 29-year-old.

Photograph Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports activities

Have you ever subscribed to our YouTube channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to remain updated on all the newest Dodgers information, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and extra!