The Los Angeles Dodgers made blockbuster signings and brought back key players this winter, but there are still fan favorites the team hasn’t addressed. One of those players is free agent pitcher Walker Buehler.

Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report has Buehler signing a three-year, $45 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.

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“Walker Buehler was one of the top pitchers in MLB between 2018 and 2021, pitching to a 2.82 ERA with 4.5 times as many strikeouts as walks,” Rymer wrote. “He’s not that guy anymore. And yet perhaps it could be him again? It’s hard to say given Buehler’s uninspiring track record of late. He had his second Tommy John surgery in 2022, which followed a 12-start stint giving him a 4.02 ERA. He didn’t exactly return to form in the regular season this year.

“On the plus side, Buehler ran an average fastball of 95.0 mph while having one of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ best breaking balls. And in the end, his 10 straight scoreless innings were a big reason they won the World Series. Buehler will do it.” This year’s market is what Jack Flaherty was to the 2023-24 market. He doesn’t offer much security, but his history and future potential make him a compelling target on a one-year deal or a long-term deal with opt-outs.”

The San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves are reportedly interested in the right-hander. The New York Yankees also spoke with Buehler before signing Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract.

Buehler remains one of the most established pitchers on the market and is seeking a multi-year deal with opt-outs. The 30-year-old had a difficult 2024 season as he struggled with his command, posting a 5.38 ERA in 16 starts.

However, by the time the Dodgers reached the postseason, it seemed as if Buehler was a new and improved version of himself. Buehler was unhinged throughout the Dodgers’ run to the World Series, throwing ten scoreless innings in the NLCS and World Series. He will always be remembered by Dodgers fans for his heroics in the ninth inning of Game 5 of the Fall Classic.

With the Dodgers running out of options in the bullpen, Buehler decided to finish out the ninth. Whether he returns to Los Angeles or joins another team, Buehler will always be fondly remembered by the fan base.

In other news: The All-Star pitcher was told he was traded to the Dodgers before the Yankees arrived