When Walker Buehler took the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning of World Series Game 5, his name was forever etched in franchise history. However, less than three months after winning the World Series in Dodger blue, the right-hander said he hopes to retire with the Boston Red Sox.
Like any team gaining a two-time World Series Champion would do, the Red Sox posted a highlight video of Buehler to excite fans for the new season ahead. It was in this video where Buehler, a player who has spent his entire career with the Dodgers, shared his desire to retire at Fenway.
“Joining a winning franchise, and a historical franchise, a team that has a real chance to win, I think it was the best option for me,” Buehler said. “Hopefully I bring some value this year and get to play the rest of my career in Boston. A lot of young talent in Boston and a lot of major league proven talent. A team, that I think, is ready and able to compete in the division and in the whole league.”
See you at Fenway soon, Walker Buehler. pic.twitter.com/M0Og4EISLI
— Red Sox (@RedSox) January 4, 2025
As the Dodgers attempt to build another winning roster, it was inevitable some players who helped the team win the World Series in 2024 would have to go. Buehler isn’t the only World Series champion to have found a new team.
The Dodgers traded second baseman Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds. Like Buehler, Lux was also drafted by the team. There are also other free agents who have yet to sign, including utility man Kiké Hernández, starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, and reliever Joe Kelly.
The tale of Buehler’s heroics will always be a part of Dodgers lore, but his departure is a reminder of the business side of baseball. Nevertheless, the Dodgers front office won’t forget Buehler closing out the final game of the Fall Classic.
“What Walker did, what he has done for us, what he did for us this year, his teammates, that does not go lost on us,” general manager Brandon Gomes said in November.
