Walker Buehler’s Struggles Since Clinching Dodgers’ 2024 World Series Reflect Harsh Reality of Red Sox’s Pitching Gamble Gone Wrong

Walker Buehler’s Struggles Since Clinching Dodgers’ 2024 World Series Reflect Harsh Reality of Red Sox’s Pitching Gamble Gone Wrong

Walker Buehler, once the toast of Los Angeles and the man who secured the final out of the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series title, has not looked like the same pitcher since making the move to Boston. The Red Sox, banking on Buehler’s postseason experience and ace potential, acquired him with the hope that he could be the reliable anchor they desperately needed in their rotation. But as the 2025 season wears on, the gamble appears to be unraveling.

Once known for his elite fastball command, icy playoff composure, and ability to elevate under pressure, Buehler’s performance in Boston has been marked by inconsistency, mechanical issues, and diminishing velocity. For Red Sox fans hoping for an ace to rally around, what they’ve gotten instead is a pitcher struggling to recapture his past brilliance.

Buehler’s decline didn’t begin immediately after the Dodgers’ championship parade. In fact, during the winter and early spring, optimism was high. The Red Sox front office made the aggressive move knowing Buehler had a clean bill of health after a Tommy John recovery that had already delayed parts of his 2023 and 2024 campaigns. His postseason heroics had shown flashes of his old self—sharp breaking balls, command of both sides of the plate, and the kind of bulldog demeanor Boston fans crave.

But early warning signs began to appear in Spring Training. His command was spotty, his fastball sat in the low 90s instead of his typical mid-90s, and hitters were making harder contact than usual. The Red Sox coaching staff downplayed it at the time, attributing it to offseason rust and workload management. But as April turned into May, the excuses faded while the reality became impossible to ignore: Walker Buehler was not performing at a major league ace level.

Through his first ten starts, Buehler’s ERA hovered above 5.00. He gave up home runs in bunches and often failed to make it out of the fifth inning. The once-dominant breaking pitches weren’t biting the same way. His confidence, which once bordered on arrogance in a good way, seemed to falter. For Red Sox fans watching him take the mound at Fenway Park, each start became a guessing game—would it be a glimmer of hope or another chapter in an unfolding disappointment?

The shift in performance hasn’t been purely physical. Analysts and insiders have pointed to mental fatigue, adjustment difficulties, and perhaps even the weight of expectations in a new city. Buehler went from being a hero in Hollywood to a question mark in a baseball-crazed town with an intense media presence and unforgiving fan base. His press conferences have grown more clipped. There’s a tension that wasn’t there when he was blowing past batters in Dodger blue.

The Red Sox’s decision to pursue Buehler was understandable. Their rotation lacked star power, and their prospects weren’t ready to carry the load. Buehler represented a proven postseason performer with high upside. But the team now faces the sobering truth that past performance is no guarantee of future dominance, especially in a sport as fickle as baseball.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers have continued to thrive without him. Their rotation has remained sturdy thanks to their pipeline of young arms and shrewd free-agent additions. For them, Buehler’s last moment on the mound—closing out the World Series—was a perfect Hollywood ending. For Boston, that same moment is beginning to feel like ancient history rather than a signal of future success.

Buehler’s issues in Boston are multifaceted. The drop in velocity is one. He’s averaging nearly two miles per hour slower on his fastball compared to his 2021-2022 peak. Without that extra zip, hitters aren’t chasing at the same rate, and his margin for error has shrunk. Secondly, his mechanics seem slightly altered—whether consciously or subconsciously compensating for post-surgery limitations or simply the result of bad habits creeping in. Whatever the cause, the results are evident in his increased walk rate and decreased strikeout numbers.

There’s also the question of fit. Fenway Park, with its unique dimensions and unforgiving short porch in left, is a far cry from the pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium. Buehler has been especially vulnerable at home, giving up more than double the runs at Fenway than on the road. Pitchers often talk about needing time to adjust to new environments, but Buehler’s adjustment period is stretching dangerously long.

Another factor has been the Red Sox’s defense, which has not done him many favors. Several outings where he induced weak contact have been undone by misplays, extended innings, and mental errors behind him. While no pitcher should rely entirely on defense, it’s clear that Buehler has suffered from a lack of support that contrasts starkly with the pristine fielding he enjoyed in Los Angeles.

Manager Alex Cora has publicly remained supportive, insisting that Buehler “just needs a few tweaks” and will “turn things around.” But privately, the organization must be evaluating their options. Do they consider skipping a start? Sending him for another evaluation? Moving him further down in the rotation to reduce pressure? None of the answers are easy, and all involve risk.

As the trade deadline looms, Buehler’s status could even impact how the Red Sox approach their midseason strategy. If he can’t be counted on to anchor the rotation, does Boston pursue another frontline starter? Do they shift toward a seller mindset if the season continues to spiral?

Of course, there’s still hope. Baseball, as unforgiving as it can be, also has a long memory and the potential for redemption. Buehler has been through rough patches before. He’s overcome injuries, pitched in hostile playoff environments, and delivered when it mattered most. It’s entirely possible that a strong second half awaits—a few tweaks, a rebalanced routine, and perhaps even a mental breakthrough could restore some semblance of the ace Red Sox fans expected.

And Buehler himself is no stranger to scrutiny. During his time with the Dodgers, he was often overshadowed by bigger names—Kershaw, Scherzer, Urias—but he always found a way to shine when the lights were brightest. In Boston, there’s nowhere to hide. He’s expected to lead, to dominate, and to deliver wins every fifth day. The weight is heavy, but it’s the role he was brought in to fulfill.

There’s also the bigger question of legacy. For Buehler, this stint in Boston could define the second act of his career. He’s already a World Series champion, a playoff warrior, and a name remembered fondly in Los Angeles. But if he falters in Boston, the narrative could shift. Instead of being remembered as a clutch ace, he risks being remembered as a fallen star who couldn’t recapture the magic after his signature moment.

Red Sox fans, ever-passionate and ever-impatient, will keep watching, hoping for a turnaround. They’ve seen great pitchers struggle before and eventually find their footing. They’ve also seen high-profile acquisitions flame out spectacularly. The ball, quite literally, is in Buehler’s hands.

As the season moves into its pivotal months, all eyes will remain on the man who closed out a championship last October and has since searched for a way to recapture that spark. For now, the struggles are undeniable, the questions are mounting, and the pressure is intensifying.

Walker Buehler’s journey in Boston is far from over, but the current chapter is one of frustration, growing doubt, and a desperate search for answers. Whether the ending becomes one of redemption or regret will depend on how deep Buehler can dig—and how much of that former fire he can reignite.