Why Did Walker Buehler Not Return to the Dodgers?

Why Didn’t the Dodgers Bring Back Walker Buehler?

The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been one of the most successful franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB), consistently competing at the highest levels and attracting some of the league’s best talent. However, the decision to not bring back one of their own homegrown stars, Walker Buehler, has raised questions among fans and analysts alike. Buehler, who had been a key figure in the Dodgers’ pitching rotation for several years, was an essential part of the team’s success and a player with immense potential. His absence from the team’s plans going forward is a decision that has many wondering why the Dodgers chose not to bring him back.

Walker Buehler’s story is one of talent, triumph, and struggle. After making his debut for the Dodgers in 2017, he quickly emerged as one of the most promising pitchers in MLB. Buehler was a crucial part of the team’s success, helping them reach the World Series in 2017 and contributing significantly to their 2020 championship win. His combination of elite stuff—highlighted by a mid-to-high 90s fastball, devastating slider, and excellent control—made him one of the most feared pitchers in the National League. However, injuries and the Dodgers’ evolving team strategy have led to a complicated decision when it comes to his future with the team.

The Rise of Walker Buehler

Before diving into the reasons behind the Dodgers’ decision, it is essential to look at Buehler’s career trajectory and his role with the team. Drafted by the Dodgers in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft, Buehler’s rise through the minors was swift. He made his big league debut in 2017, and by 2018, he had become one of the Dodgers’ most reliable starting pitchers. His emergence was an exciting development for the team, which had long been seeking a reliable ace to lead its rotation. Buehler filled that role, helping the Dodgers remain competitive in a division filled with strong opponents.

In 2019, Buehler truly showcased his talent, finishing the season with a 3.26 ERA and 215 strikeouts. His dominant performances on the mound made him one of the most sought-after pitchers in the game. With the rise of young pitchers like Buehler, the Dodgers had a formidable starting rotation, bolstered by veterans like Clayton Kershaw and new additions like David Price and Trevor Bauer.

Buehler’s success continued into the 2020 season, when he helped lead the Dodgers to their first World Series championship since 1988. Over the course of the season, Buehler showcased why he was one of the top pitchers in the league, compiling a 3.44 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP during the regular season. His performance in the postseason, including a crucial start in the World Series, helped cement his status as an ace in the making. For Dodgers fans and analysts alike, Buehler seemed poised to be the future of the franchise’s pitching staff.

The Injury Concerns

However, while Buehler’s talent was undeniable, his career began to take a turn due to injuries. In 2022, Buehler underwent a significant surgery to address elbow issues—specifically, a ligament repair procedure. This injury sidelined him for much of the 2022 season and continued to plague him as he worked to return to form. The elbow injury, which required Tommy John surgery, is one of the most common but serious injuries for pitchers, often leading to a long recovery process.

While Tommy John surgery is not necessarily a career-ending injury, it can take a significant amount of time for pitchers to regain their previous form. For Buehler, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery and his ability to return to his former elite level likely played a significant role in the Dodgers’ decision not to bring him back. As he worked through his rehab, the team had to weigh the potential risks of bringing Buehler back into the rotation and whether it was worth the financial and roster commitment.

The timing of Buehler’s recovery was another important factor. The Dodgers needed to plan for the future of their pitching staff while navigating the complex landscape of player development, free agency, and trade decisions. With Buehler’s uncertain return timeline, the team likely had to make decisions based on the long-term outlook of their pitching staff, even if it meant moving on from a player who had once been a cornerstone of their rotation.

The Changing Landscape of the Dodgers’ Roster

Another critical factor in the decision not to bring back Buehler was the changing composition of the Dodgers’ pitching staff. As Buehler was recovering from his surgery, the Dodgers’ pitching staff underwent some significant changes. The team added several new faces, including high-profile free-agent acquisitions, trade candidates, and younger players coming up through the minor leagues.

Clayton Kershaw, the long-time ace of the Dodgers, remained one of the team’s most reliable pitchers. Additionally, young stars like Julio Urías, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May began to take on larger roles in the rotation. The rise of these pitchers gave the Dodgers a strong, balanced rotation without having to rely on Buehler’s uncertain recovery.

With Kershaw aging and other pitchers in the system taking on larger roles, the Dodgers likely felt that it was time to move forward without Buehler, at least in the short term. The team’s front office, led by Andrew Friedman, is known for making calculated decisions based on long-term success, and with so many options available in the rotation, they may have felt that keeping Buehler on the shelf for an extended period didn’t align with their immediate needs.

Financial Considerations and Long-Term Outlook

The Dodgers have never shied away from spending money to improve their team, but they also are known for making financial decisions with an eye toward sustainability. The cost of bringing Buehler back after his injury may have presented a challenge, especially when factoring in the uncertainty of his recovery timeline. The Dodgers may have determined that the financial commitment to Buehler was too risky, given the need for stability in their pitching staff.

The Dodgers also have a financial commitment to several key players in the coming years, including Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and others, and the front office has to manage their payroll carefully. While Buehler’s contract might not have been prohibitively expensive, the prospect of his long-term health uncertainty might have prompted the team to reallocate resources to other areas of need, including position players or other pitching prospects.

The team’s salary structure and desire for flexibility likely played a role in moving on from Buehler. By not committing to a long-term deal or roster spot for a pitcher coming off Tommy John surgery, the Dodgers preserved their ability to make further moves in the future without locking themselves into a potentially high-risk situation.

Buehler’s Future in Baseball

Walker Buehler’s departure from the Dodgers doesn’t mean his career is over; far from it. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his health and future with the Dodgers, Buehler is a talented pitcher with a proven track record of success. His strong performances, particularly in big-game situations, are a testament to his resilience and talent. Whether he continues his career with another team or makes a successful return to the Dodgers in the future, Buehler remains a player with great potential.

The Dodgers may have made the decision to part ways with Buehler, but this doesn’t rule out the possibility of him returning to Los Angeles at some point down the line. His recovery from Tommy John surgery will likely dictate his future, and there may still be an opportunity for the Dodgers to bring him back at a later time, depending on how he performs in the coming seasons.

Other teams might also be interested in signing Buehler, particularly if he can prove that he’s fully recovered and capable of returning to his former form. His combination of pitching skills and postseason experience will likely make him a coveted asset for any team looking to add depth to its rotation.