The Boston Red Sox made a big splash in free agency, reportedly signing 30-year-old right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler to a one-year deal worth $20.5 million.

What will the Red Sox get? Buehler is another top starter who could give Boston a solid one-two punch alongside left wing Garrett Crochet.

Until signing with Boston, Buehler had spent his entire career in the Dodgers organization. Buehler, a first-round pick in 2015, is a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion with the Dodgers.

A native of Kentucky, Buehler was originally drafted in 2012 but chose to play college baseball at Vanderbilt. During his run with the Commodores, Buehler was part of the 2014 College World Series championship team. That same year, he spent the summer in Massachusetts, pitching for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Buehler has a history of arm injuries. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015, shortly after being drafted by the Dodgers. Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery again in 2022, forcing him to miss the entire 2023 MLB season. Buehler returned in 2024 but struggled in the regular season.

However, Bühler showed a strong performance in the playoffs, especially as a substitute. Buehler entered the game on just one day of rest to close Game 5 against the Yankees and pitched a 1-2-3 inning to clinch the championship.

Buehler is very familiar with references to the film “Ferris Buehler’s Day Off.” It is part of his social media handle: @buehlersdayoff21.

“I really like the movie,” Buehler told Jon Weisman after it was selected. “I’ve seen it a few times, probably 10 times. It’s one of those things when you arrive on the first day of school and every teacher is trying to reinvent the wheel, do the whole skit, and eventually I just joined in.”

The Red Sox bring Buehler to a unique point in his career. He struggled a lot in 2024 after Tommy John surgery. This makes this contract look like a one-year “proof” contract.

Buehler struggled during the 2024 regular season. But if he shines in Boston, the right winger could be in line for a monster contract in 2025.

For now, Buehler and his mid-90s fastball are aiming to be a fixture at the top of the Red Sox rotation.

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