PHILADELPHIA— Much to their fanbase’s dismay, the Phillies have been relatively quiet this off-season.
After signing two-time All-Star Jordan Romano at the Winter Meetings, the Phillies have filled one of their holes this off-season. Heading into the free agency period, the club needed two relievers and an outfield bat. With plenty of options remaining, the team still has work to do in order to move closer to a World Series title.
While the starting rotation is not an area of need, the Phillies could benefit from adding to their impressive lineup. Last season, the 5th starter spot was an area of weakness as the season waned. It felt like every fifth day the team was trying out a new option to see if someone could stick. Tyler Phillips, Taijuan Walker, Seth Johnson, Kolby Allard, and others tried but were unable to cement their spot in the rotation.
Walker Buehler could be an intriguing fit for the Phillies. Fresh off a World Series title with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Buehler is a free agent for the first time in his career. Could he end up with the Phillies in 2025?
Does Buehler fit the Phillies?
A starting rotation of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Andrew Painter might be the best in baseball.
While the Phillies might slow roll Andrew Painter into the rotation, there are undoubtedly plans for him to join the major league team in 2025. The team does still have Taijuan Walker under contract through 2026, plus other starting options who will make up depth in the minor leagues. With all of that being said, the old adage in baseball is that you can never have enough starting pitching. Adding Walker Buehler to Rob Thomson‘s mix could open up options for the team.
Buehler was once one of the best young pitchers in baseball. After suffering an elbow injury in 2022, Walker would undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. He did not touch a major league mound again until 2024, when he struggled in his return to the big leagues. Down the stretch, however, Walker Buehler found himself and returned to form while helping the Dodgers claim their second World Series title in 5 years.
It is expected that he will sign a one-year deal this off-season. This gives Walker the chance to rebuild his value and eventually sign a multi-year deal next off-season. While there are plenty of potential suitors, he has not yet been linked to Philly. If the Phillies signed Buehler, they could run a six-man rotation in 2025. This would give guys like Wheeler and Nola additional rest throughout the long season.
It also gives the Phillies the wiggle room to move on from Ranger Suarez. Rumors that Suarez has been involved in trade conversations have populated social media in recent weeks. Ranger could be flipped for an outfield bat that starts in either left or center field.
Where Walker Buehler will end up is still a question. It is not an area of need for the Phillies, but it could add to an already impressive arsenal.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
