Update 11/19/2024: This post was originally published on October 19th, 2024.

The Braves are reportedly interested in Walker Buehler. With the rumors swirling that the Braves and Buehler might be a fit for one another. We thought we’d update this post from October 19th in which we lay out the logic for Atlanta to kick the tires on Walker Buehler. The following post was prior to Buehler’s strong ending to his Postseason performance. Buehler struck out 13 over his final 10 innings while not allowing a run. This included closing the World Series clinching victory after starting Game 3 just two days prior.

Original Post from October 19th, 2024:

The Atlanta Braves are likely to target a starting pitcher in free agency, assuming they don’t bring back Max Fried or Charlie Morton. We’ve already shot down the suggestion that the Braves should pursue Jack Flaherty. Today, we’ll tell you about a pitcher we think the Braves have a shot at signing this offseason. We did mention him in our Top 10 Starting Pitcher Free Agents.

Walker Buehler Was Dominant for 4 Seasons

Walker Buehler is a former ace. He is entering his age-30 season in 2025. Between 2018-2021, he went 39-13 with a 2.82 ERA over 564.0 innings pitched. He struck out 620 batters with 2.2 walks per nine innings and just 0.9 homers per nine innings. He had a spectacular 146 ERA+. Buehler was better than Flaherty for longer prior to 2022. In 2022, he pitched in just 12 games before requiring a second Tommy John surgery. He ended up missing all of 2023 as well.

Walker Buehler Has 2nd Tommy John Surgery

After not having pitched in a Major League game since 2022, Buehler attempted to return this past season. He made 16 starts and posted a 5.38 ERA over 75.1 innings. Buehler had a long road ahead of him to recover from his second Tommy John. He most recently blanked the Mets over 4.0 clutch innings on Wednesday in Game 3 of the NLCS. He’s had ups and downs this season but he has certainly shown flashes of his old self. None bigger than his performance in Game 3 in New York.

Walker Buehler Needs a Chance to Prove Himself and His Health in 2025

Walker Buehler finds himself entering free agency in a similar position to Jack Flaherty last season. Injuries have caused uncertainty but the talent is immense. Buehler is still young. He’s in a prime position to sign a one-year deal to prove he can stay healthy and recapture some of his previous glory. The Braves love contracts like this. There is very little risk beyond the payroll required for the upcoming season. They did this with Josh Donaldson, Marcell Ozuna, Charlie Morton, and Cole Hamels… to name a few. Oh, don’t forget the deal they put together with Kirby Yates. They gave Yates a two-year deal in which he received $1 million in 2022 to finish recovering from Tommy John.

Why Walker Buehler and Atlanta Braves Make a Great Fit in 2025

Ozuna and Morton stuck around for multiple seasons after producing at a high level and becoming important parts of the Braves culture. Flaherty signed a one-year deal with the Tigers last off-season for just $14 million. What a bargain he turned out to be and almost at no risk to the team. If the Braves can get Walker Buehler on a similar deal, even for $20 million. It’s worth a shot to see if he can recapture a portion of who he used to be. And there have been glimpses of the old Walker Buehler this season. Chris Sale benefited greatly from a full, healthy off-season to prepare for 2024. After rehabbing and making his return in 2024, perhaps Buehler needs a healthy off-season to take the next step in returning to form.

This seems like a smart, low-risk/high-reward deal that Alex Anthopoulos would love. Should the Braves pursue Walker Buehler this off-season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

More Atlanta Braves Off-Season Resources

• Why Braves Should Sign Willy Adames
• Why Braves Won’t Re-Sign Max Fried
• Why Braves Won’t Sign Jack Flaherty
• 2025 MLB Free Agents – Full List
• 2025 Braves Under Contract
• 2025 Braves Free Agents
• Top 10 MLB Free Agent Starting Pitchers