The New York Yankees are at a critical juncture in their offseason planning, balancing big-money commitments and the pursuit of additional talent. One intriguing name linked to the Yankees is Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler. According to reports, there is “mutual interest” between the two parties.
The Yankees already have significant financial commitments for 2025, with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Aaron Judge accounting for approximately $104 million. If the Yanks succeed in retaining Juan Soto, that figure will rise significantly, potentially limiting their flexibility in the free-agent market. Hence, Buehler’s contract appears in a lurch for now.
Gauging Yankees Odds Of Signing Walker Buehler
Walker Buehler, who missed the 2023 season due to his second Tommy John surgery, returned in 2024 with mixed results. His regular-season numbers, 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA over 75.1 innings, showed the effects of rust. However, his postseason performances hinted at a resurgence. After a rocky NLDS start, Buehler delivered 10 shutout innings in his final three playoff appearances, including two dominant outings against the New York Yankees in the World Series. These late-season flashes of brilliance reaffirm his potential to return to his peak form. Despite his inconsistencies, Buehler remains a proven postseason performer, as evidenced by his pivotal role in the Dodgers’ success. His 2021 season, which included a 16-win campaign and a fourth-place Cy Young finish, underscores his upside when fully healthy.
Despite a solid core of starters, including Cole, Rodon, and Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has emphasized the importance of pitching depth. “You can never have enough pitching,” Steinbrenner said recently, signaling the team’s intent to strengthen its rotation. While high-profile free agents like Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell may be out of reach, Buehler’s projected two-year, $32 million deal fits a middle-tier budget. Ultimately, the Bronx Bombers’ pursuit of Buehler will depend on their success in retaining Juan Soto. As Soto moves into the offer phase of free agency, his decision will likely shape the Yanks’ financial and roster strategy. If Soto returns to New York, Buehler may become a secondary target. However, should Soto sign elsewhere, the Yankees might aggressively pursue Buehler to bolster their rotation. For now, the team’s focus remains on Soto, but their interest in Buehler suggests they are keeping their options open.
Closer Option For Yanks Amid Holmes’ Uncertainty
Tanner Scott, now a free agent, has emerged as one of the most dominant relievers on the market. After being traded to the San Diego Padres during the 2024 season, Scott excelled with a stellar 1.75 ERA across 72 innings. His durability and consistency make him an appealing option for the Yankees.
In 2024, he ranked in the 100th percentile for average exit velocity and the 99th percentile for hard-hit rate. His fastball-slider combination, including a 97 mph heater, limited opponents to a .134 batting average and a .176 slugging percentage against the fastball alone. Securing Scott would significantly elevate the Yankees’ bullpen, ensuring stability in high-leverage situations.
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