Cody Snavely
While the conversation on free agents and possible trade candidates is in full swing, let’s look at a current Dodger looking to return for the 2024 season. The Dodgers’ biggest need this offseason is starting pitching, and while they will still be in play for the big names out there, star pitcher Walker Buehler is set to make his return from his second Tommy John Surgery.
What will his role be?
Not long ago, Walker Buehler lined up to be the next ace for the Dodgers franchise. Buehler has been a massive part of the Dodgers since his 2018 callup, which has seen the club reach two world series, and Buehler himself is pitching his way into Dodgers lore with his clutch starts in the postseason. However, after his second elbow surgery in his career, the Dodgers do not know what type of pitcher we will see in 2024.
As the roster currently stands, Buehler is lined up to be a big piece in their starting rotation for the 2024 season. Even if the Dodgers make a splash for more starters this winter, Buehler will still be part of the potential starting five. While Buehler could not make his debut last year, he did get a few minor league rehab starts, which highlighted some changes to his windup to help with his elbow/arm. In his lone start, Buehler went two innings with two strikeouts in a no-decision before getting shut down for the rest of the season. Buehler will now have an entire offseason where he is healthy and can build himself up to be that ace that the Dodgers desperately need.
However, one concern that the Dodgers will have to prepare for is that pitchers with multiple Tommy John Surgies in their careers typically do not bode well. However, one name that the Dodgers can find to have faith in is former Dodgers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi, who has bounced back well after his second surgery. While the Dodgers will prepare for any setbacks for Buehler, the Dodgers and the fans should expect him to be a big part of their success in 2024.
Possible innings limit?
One question that has been floated around the Dodgers brass is whether Buehler will be put on an innings limit for the 2024 season. Jack Harris of the LA Times asked this question at the GM meetings earlier this month, and Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes had this to say.
There’s a lot of different ways to go about making sure he’s in the best position possible for the stretch run. We’ll keep having conversations with him as we get closer to spring.
Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes to Jack Harris LA Times
It would make sense for the Dodgers not to stress Buehler as he returns to the mound next season. While the Dodgers need dependability in the rotation, they should not rush or push him if his body/arm cannot handle it. This conversation will continue in spring training as the team and Buehler discuss all options. Buehler remains confident that his recent injury/surgery is not as severe and fully expects to return to normal come spring.
I think one weird thing about my surgery was it wasn’t necessarily another tear. I had a kind of piece of bone from an old kind of injury that broke off and went into my ligament, so they had to cut that out. But nothing tore again, it wasn’t like I threw and it ripped out. So essentially, it wasn’t a full Tommy John.
Walker Buehler via Just Baseball Show
The surgery, not being a full-on repair but a reconstruction, should put the Dodger’s fears to bed in his brief start; as mentioned earlier, he looked excellent, but the Dodgers didn’t want to rush the star back and put in a role he’s never been in throughout his career.
Should the Dodgers think about an extension?
The idea of an extension for Walker Buehler, which I have highlighted here on DodgerBeat, has crossed my mind this past year. Buehler will be heading into his age-30 season and has been one of the best starting pitchers in the National League. Buehler, who has an ERA of 3.02 with 690 SO and is arguably the most dependable pitcher in October, will be a huge commodity when he reaches free agency.
However, with Buehler’s recent surgery, his value is at an all-time low, and the Dodgers could try to lock him up for the future, as their current rotation after the 2024 season is also a huge question mark. Buehler and his camp may also be open to an extension as there are still questions about whether he will bounce back after his surgery and may take the guaranteed money offered by the Dodgers if they went that route.
