After the way Walker Buehler finished the 2024 World Series, it’s no wonder the Boston Red Sox wanted him on their team. But his slow start in 2025 and lack of regular-season consistency the past few years could be cause for concern.

Walker Buehler Struggling Early in Red Sox Tenure

Buehler’s Playoff Audition

Working in relief, the two-time All-Star completed the Los Angeles Dodgers’ improbable Game 5 comeback against the New York Yankees. And that impressive performance came one day after he shut down the potent lineup over five scoreless innings.

Now a confirmed Yankee killer, Boston signed Buehler to a one-year, $21.05 million contract in December. It’s a somewhat expensive rental, particularly for an injury-prone pitcher. But the short-term deal is also low-risk and high on incentive for Buehler to earn a multi-year contract.

Still, the 30-year-old pitcher hasn’t been great since the first half of 2022. Following his second Tommy John surgery, Buehler didn’t pitch in 2023. And in the back half of 2024, he posted a paltry 1-6 record with a 5.38 ERA over 16 starts.

Regular Season Woes Continue

In spring training, Buehler pitched well. Over three starts, he went 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA and 11 strikeouts. But he’s struggled mightily thus far in the regular season.

Through his first two starts, Buehler has logged 9 1/3 innings and posted a horrendous 8.68 ERA, 1.607 WHIP, and 7:1 K:BB ratio. Thanks to a sizzling Red Sox lineup that staked him to a 5-0 lead, he did just enough to earn his first victory on Friday. But that advantage was cut to one run by the time he exited after five innings.

The rough start is unusual for Buehler, at least when he’s started a season healthy. In 2022, he jumped out to a dominant 6-1 record with a solid 2.91 ERA before elbow soreness cut his year short. And in his career-best 2021, he went 11-1 through July and finished 16-4 with a 2.47 ERA.

Motivated To Improve

Walker Buehler speaks following his start 🎙️⬇️

"Frustrating, kind of, to say the least… I'm not gonna keep hanging my hat on the fact that I've showed up in October, I want to show up in April, May, June, July, and August."#RedSox pic.twitter.com/FC5g8RkFGI

— NESN (@NESN) April 4, 2025

In his post-game presser on Friday, Walker Buehler didn’t dance around the fact that he was struggling to start 2025.

“I want to help this team win, and to not do that the first two weeks is frustrating,” Buehler said. “But it’s a long season, and I’ve definitely struggled before and I’ll struggle again.”

Asked if he felt like he was close to figuring out his issues on the mound, Buehler admitted it was tough to know where he stands.

“It’s been so long since I’ve been as dominant as I want to be or been the guy that I want to be. I’ve had it for two or three starts at a time throughout the past year and a half and especially in the playoffs. But you don’t make many playoff rosters with a 7 or 8 or 9 ERA,” he said. “I’m not gonna keep hanging my hat on the fact that I’ve showed up in October. I want to show up in April, May, June, July, and August.”

Despite the slow start, hope remains that if the Red Sox can survive into October, Playoff Buehler will be there. And if he happens to face the Yankees, all the better.

Photo Credit: © Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images