Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler was pretty mediocre for most of the 2024 season. In the regular season, Buehler posted a 5.38 ERA with six losses in 16 starts. Losing six of 16 starts with the overloaded Dodgers is bad enough that Los Angeles could have given up on the right-hander while he recovered from another arm injury.

But Buehler was dominant in the final 10 innings of the postseason. In three appearances, including two in the World Series, the Dodgers gave up no runs on five hits and four walks. He was so impressive en route to a World Series title that he may have secured a big contract in free agency.

However, that likely won’t be the case for the Dodgers. If not the Dodgers, where will Buehler sign?

Prediction: Walker Buehler signs with the New York Mets. Three years, $45 million (exit after 2026).

The New York Mets have made a living turning failed pitchers back into the big leagues. That’s what they did in 2024 with Sean Manaea and Luis Severino. They are currently building their rotation the same way. Adding Buehler would be the biggest and most worthwhile reclamation project for the Mets.

If Buehler fulfills his potential, the Mets would add a right-hander who could receive Cy Young votes. If Buehler looks anything like the pitcher who finished the postseason with Los Angeles in 2024, he would be a steal at $15 million per year.

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