Two-Time All-Star Who Failed Red Sox Predicted To Round Out Phillies’ Rotation

In predicting what the Philadelphia Phillies‘ Opening Day rotation will look like this season, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter mentioned a player that might make Boston Red Sox fans frown.

Reuter believes Walker Buehler will be the Phillies’ No. 5 starter when Opening Day rolls around. As for Philly’s first four starters? Reuter predicted that the Phils will roll with, in order, Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo, Aaron Nola, and Taijuan Walker. He also noted that Zack Wheeler will begin the season on the Injured List.

“With Zack Wheeler (thoracic outlet surgery) expected to start the year on the injured list and Ranger Suárez gone in free agency, the Phillies could use a veteran arm to help take some pressure off prospect Andrew Painter at the back of the rotation,” Reuter wrote.

“After a disappointing season in Boston, Walker Buehler quietly posted a 0.66 ERA in 13.2 innings for the Phillies down the stretch.”

Reuter listed Painter, Bryse Wilson, and Jean Cabrera as “other internal options” for the Phillies’ rotation.

Buehler’s 2025 season marked a challenging but ultimately transitional chapter in his career. After signing a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Red Sox in December 2024, Buehler began the year in the American League as a starting pitcher. He made 23 appearances (22 starts) for Boston, compiling a 7-7 record with a 5.45 ERA over 112.1 innings.

He struck out 84 batters while issuing 55 walks, resulting in a 1.56 WHIP. Struggles with command and home runs allowed (22 in his Boston stint) contributed to an overall difficult tenure, leading to his release by the Red Sox on August 29.

Shortly after, Buehler joined the Phillies, where he found renewed success in a limited role. Across three appearances (two starts) with Philadelphia, he went 3-0 with a 0.66 ERA in 13.2 innings, allowing just one earned run while striking out eight and walking six.

His outings included a strong five-inning, one-run performance in his debut against the Royals on September 12, a 3.2-inning scoreless relief stint to earn a win against the Diamondbacks on September 19, and a five-scoreless-inning start in a piggyback tandem that secured a 1-0 victory over the Marlins on September 25.