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Dodgers Reportedly Made Competitive Offer to Keep Walker Buehler This Past Offseason

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 15:25 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Dodgers Reportedly Made a Competitive Offer to Keep Walker Buehler, but the Pitcher Opted for a New Chapter

In the whirlwind of the 2024 MLB free‑agency market, one of the most talked‑about moves involved the Dodgers’ ace left‑hander, Walker Buehler. According to sources close to the organization, the Los Angeles franchise presented the pitcher with a competitive contract package during the offseason—an offer that was reportedly designed to keep him on the West Coast through at least the 2028 season. Yet, despite the Dodgers’ best efforts, Buehler ultimately chose a different path, signing with the Philadelphia Phillies on a five‑year, $95 million deal that is slated to run through 2029.

A Pitcher Who Has Become a Household Name

Buehler burst onto the MLB scene in 2018, but it was the 2023 campaign that cemented his status as one of the league’s premier young starters. That year, he posted a 3.58 ERA, recorded 13 wins, and threw 172.2 innings while striking out 206 batters—an all‑time franchise high for a Dodgers rookie. Despite a shoulder injury that limited his availability, the lefty proved he could dominate from the mound. Over his five seasons in Los Angeles, he posted a 34‑22 record with a 3.55 ERA and an arsenal that includes a sharp four‑seam fastball, a breaking slider, and a sinker that has earned him praise for inducing ground balls.

Because of that performance trajectory, Buehler was a coveted free agent when the 2023 season ended. In a league where the Dodgers’ roster cap was already stretched by high‑profile acquisitions and the need to balance the payroll, the front office’s negotiation strategy was a delicate dance. The organization’s general manager, Andrew Friedman, and his staff were reportedly intent on securing Buehler’s services for the long haul while keeping the team’s cap structure in check.

The Dodgers’ Competitive Offer

While the precise terms of the Dodgers’ proposal were not released to the public, insiders have confirmed that the offer was competitive with the market’s best available deals. The package reportedly included a mix of guaranteed money and performance incentives, potentially totaling a cap hit in the $18‑$20 million range per year. The offer also promised an early option that could secure Buehler’s services through 2028, which would have placed him among the franchise’s most valuable contributors for a decade.

The Dodgers, in their statement on the matter, expressed disappointment that Buehler chose not to remain with the club. In a brief press release, the team highlighted Buehler’s contributions to their 2023 postseason run and noted their intention to continue building a competitive roster. “Walker is a key part of our organization,” the release read. “While we were disappointed to see him go, we respect his decision and wish him the best in Philadelphia.”

Buehler’s New Home at Philadelphia

The Phillies’ signing of Buehler has generated significant buzz. The five‑year, $95 million contract includes a structure that balances cap considerations with the team’s desire to build around a stable starting rotation. The deal is one of the largest in Phillies history and places Buehler among the highest‑paid pitchers in the National League.

During the contract negotiation, Buehler’s agent reportedly emphasized the opportunity to play in a city with a storied baseball culture and a front office that has demonstrated a willingness to invest in both pitching and position players. Buehler expressed enthusiasm for the new role: “I’m excited to join the Phillies. It’s a great organization, and I’m ready to contribute in a new setting.” He also highlighted the Phillies’ commitment to improving their offensive lineup—a factor that he said would complement his own offensive capabilities as a left‑handed batter.

The move will have ripple effects across the National League West. The Dodgers will need to find a way to fill the void left by Buehler’s departure, especially as they consider potential free‑agent pickups or internal promotions. The team has already been active in the offseason, reportedly exploring options to bolster their bullpen and add a right‑handed starter who can match Buehler’s durability.

Broader Implications for the Dodgers’ Roster Strategy

The Dodgers’ experience with Buehler’s contract negotiations underscores a broader trend: high‑salary pitchers with proven track records are increasingly opting for teams with a clear developmental vision and a willingness to accommodate their financial expectations. For Los Angeles, the trade‑offs involve balancing the need for a top‑tier arm against the reality of a capped payroll that also demands competitive acquisitions in other areas.

In light of Buehler’s departure, the Dodgers’ front office will likely continue to refine their approach to free agency. Their focus may shift toward acquiring players who can deliver value at a more modest cost or through trades that leverage future assets. The organization’s depth in pitching—bolstered by prospects like Caleb Cotham and early‑career starters such as Max Schrock—may provide the flexibility needed to mitigate the loss of Buehler.

Meanwhile, the Phillies will look to Buehler’s experience to anchor their rotation as they pursue a return to the postseason. With a solid core of middle‑relief arms, an emerging lineup, and a championship‑winning culture, the team is poised to capitalize on Buehler’s presence in the pitching staff.

Final Thoughts

While the Dodgers’ offer was undoubtedly competitive, the final outcome reflects the complex calculus that modern MLB teams must navigate: balancing cap space, player preferences, and long‑term strategic goals. Buehler’s move to Philadelphia signals a new chapter for both the pitcher and the teams involved. The Dodgers, having lost a cornerstone of their rotation, will need to pivot strategically, whereas the Phillies have secured a young, high‑upside arm who is eager to contribute in a storied baseball city. In the ever‑evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, such roster moves remind us that talent, ambition, and financial considerations will always be interwoven in the tapestry of each season.