Dodgers starter's free agency value may be low, needs "strong close" to season

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been without a key member of their starting rotation for most of the 2024 season.

Right-hander Walker Buehler made his return from his second Tommy John surgery but landed back on the injured list with right hip inflammation. The 30-year-old has also compiled a 1-4 record and a 5.84 ERA this season.

Because of this, Jim Bowden of The Athletic thinks his value may have taken a hit.

"He posted a 5.84 ERA over eight start this season before going on the IL and needs a strong close to the season to generate free-agent interest."

Buehler was once a Cy Young candidate but has struggled to regain his form since he got hurt in 2022. His days as the ace of the Dodgers staff are seemingly over and it will likely take a major surge to rebuild his value.

Still, there are teams who could potentially buy low on Buehler and give him a one or two-year deal so he can have a chance to improve his stock for the future.

He'll turn 31 in July of 2025, and his recent injury history will obviously prevent him from receiving a long-term contract of any kind, but with his value low, teams could still be interested in giving him a short-term deal.

It will be interesting to see how he fares in the second half of the season and what his market will look like in the offseason.

More MLB: Dodgers "likely to gamble" on Cy Young winner in free agency, per insider