Phillies are linked to the Dodgers' two-time All-Star in a potential blockbuster signing

The Philadelphia Phillies' starting rotation has been a major strength for the majority of the 2024 season. Unfortunately, it also had its downfall.

From one through four, there was no better rotation in all of Major League Baseball, as evidenced by the fact that Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suárez and Cristopher Sánchez were all All-Stars. Unfortunately, the fifth starter spot was occupied primarily by Taijuan Walker, who may have been the worst pitcher in the league this year.

Although Walker still has two years left on his contract, all indications are that his time as a member of the Phillies rotation is up. That leaves a vacancy at the end of the rotation, and one option to fill it comes from the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series squad.

On Friday, FanSided's Zach Pressnell urged the Phillies to sign Dodgers righty Walker Buehler, a two-time All-Star who is likely seeking a one-year deal in free agency after a tough 2024 season.

“Buehler has struggled to get back into shape after undergoing multiple surgeries during his big league career,” Pressnell said. “He came under scrutiny in Los Angeles.”

“But he is still extremely talented. If he returns to form in 2025, he would be a solid number two in the starting lineup. The Phillies would only need him at number four or five, where Buehler would excel.”

Buehler, 30, could hardly have had a worse 2024 season after returning from Tommy John surgery. He struggled to stay healthy, making just 16 starts and allowing a 5.38 ERA and a brutal 1.55 WHIP during his 75 1/3 innings in those starts.

However, Buehler's scoreless four-inning start against the New York Mets in Game 3 of the NLCS was just a taste of what a dominant pitcher Buehler can still be when his stuff is right. And with a healthy offseason to prepare for, the right-hander could be at his best more consistently.

Whatever the Phillies do, they need to ensure there is a more effective back-of-the-rotation anchor in 2025. If it only takes a one-year deal to give Buehler that option, there's no reason to hesitate in sending his agent the offer.

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