Bounce-back NLCS outing from Dodgers pitcher offers Reds alluring free agent target

Walker Buehler’s dominant start in Game 3 of the NLCS on Wednesday night likely piqued the interests of many fan bases around the Majors. After all, the Dodgers’ right-hander will enter free agency for the first time this offseason, and his injury history and spotty performance this season could bring more suitors into play. The Reds should be among those teams.

Buehler arrived in the Majors as a highly touted rookie in 2018 and made a name for himself during L.A.’s postseason run that year. He tossed seven scoreless innings to start Game 3 of the World Series, though that feat was overshadowed by the game’s 18-inning marathon. The playoffs seem to be Buehler’s bread and butter, as he has posted a 3.25 ERA in his 17 postseason starts.

Walker Buehler, who returned to form in Game 3 of the NLCS, could be an attractive free-agent candidate for the Reds.

Wednesday night’s outing was, in fact, Buehler’s first scoreless postseason appearance since the 2018 World Series, and if he can more consistently find that form, he could be a steal this winter. The Reds could use Buehler’s big-game experience. Nick Martinez is Cincinnati’s only starter with postseason experience, and he will very likely forgo his player option this winter.

Buehler, who missed all of 2023 after Tommy John surgery, hasn’t been the same pitcher he was in his first few seasons. In his first five seasons, he posted a 2.90 ERA and a .755 win percentage. Between 2022 and 2024, his ERA was 4.75 with a .438 win percentage. His strikeout numbers are down, and his walks are up. But on Wednesday, he had it. And he could have it again.

It seems most likely Buehler will be on a one-year deal. He’s too much of a risk from an injury and performance standpoint for a long-term contract. Enter the Cincinnati Reds.

The Reds have a burgeoning rotation of young stars, but the team could use an experienced arm to lead the way. Someone with big-game chops who can take some of the focus off the prospects as they arrive. Someone who can tide the team over until Rhett Lowder, Chase Petty, Chase Burns, and others are ready to shoulder the load.

Buehler could be that leader for the Reds. Like Shane Bieber, another potential free-agent candidate for Cincinnati, the Dodgers’ former top prospect would bring a wealth of experience and expertise to a young squad with grand ambitions.