Clayton Kershaw and Cody Bellinger Sign Lucrative Contract Extensions

The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to making bold decisions, and as the 2024 offseason began, the franchise took a significant step in shaping their future by making a crucial call regarding the future of pitcher Walker Buehler. After a rollercoaster few years filled with injury setbacks, promising returns, and playoff disappointments, Buehler’s situation was one of the most pressing questions facing the Dodgers’ front office this offseason.

Walker Buehler, once seen as the ace of the Dodgers’ pitching staff, is coming off a challenging stretch of seasons marked by injuries that have kept him from being the consistent contributor the team once hoped he would be. However, despite his injury history, Buehler’s potential remains undeniable, and the Dodgers’ decision on him is likely to have ramifications for both their pitching rotation and their plans moving forward.

This decision—the first major move of the Dodgers’ offseason—is as much about looking toward the future as it is about dealing with the present. In this article, we will explore the context leading up to the Dodgers’ big decision, what options were available to the team, and how Buehler’s situation fits into the broader picture of the club’s championship aspirations.

## Buehler’s Injury Struggles and Recovery Timeline

Walker Buehler’s path to becoming a key part of the Dodgers’ pitching staff was paved with immense promise. Drafted by the Dodgers in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft, Buehler quickly ascended through the ranks of the minor leagues and made his MLB debut in 2017. By 2018, he had firmly established himself as a top-tier pitcher, earning a spot in the Dodgers’ rotation.

From 2018 to 2021, Buehler was a consistent force for Los Angeles. He finished in the top-10 in National League Cy Young voting multiple times, and during the 2020 season, he was pivotal in helping the Dodgers secure their first World Series title in 32 years. Over his first four full seasons, Buehler posted a 3.02 ERA, striking out more than a batter per inning, and appeared to be well on his way to becoming the team’s ace.

However, Buehler’s fortunes took a turn in 2022. After a promising start to the season, Buehler was sidelined by a major elbow injury that ultimately required Tommy John surgery in August 2022. The procedure meant Buehler would be out of action for most of the 2023 season, leaving the Dodgers to fill a major void in their rotation.

Buehler’s return from Tommy John surgery was anticipated in 2024, but recovery from such a procedure is always unpredictable. In the months leading up to the 2024 season, there was hope that Buehler might be able to return by mid-2024, but the club remained cautious about rushing him back.

The Dodgers’ cautious approach was understandable, as rushing a return from Tommy John surgery could risk further injury to one of the franchise’s most valuable arms. While Buehler began throwing bullpen sessions and working his way back toward full strength, the team made it clear that they would not push him too quickly. Instead, they made sure that Buehler’s rehab was done slowly and methodically to avoid setbacks.

## Dodgers’ Options for Buehler in the Offseason

With Buehler’s return to full health still in question as the 2024 offseason began, the Dodgers had several options in terms of how to handle his situation. Each choice carried its own set of risks and rewards, but ultimately, the team would have to weigh the potential upside of a fully healthy Buehler against the challenges presented by his injury history.

### 1. **Non-Tender Option**

One of the more extreme possibilities was that the Dodgers could non-tender Buehler, effectively cutting ties with him and not offering him a contract for 2024. This would have been a drastic decision, but it was certainly an option on the table. Non-tendering Buehler would allow the Dodgers to free up salary space and avoid the risk of an underperforming or injured player taking up a significant portion of their payroll. This option would have sent a clear signal that the Dodgers were ready to move on from Buehler as part of a broader rebuild of their rotation.

However, this decision would have come with substantial ramifications. Buehler has been one of the best pitchers in the MLB when healthy, and giving up on him would have meant turning their back on a player with considerable upside. Additionally, the non-tender route could have left a hole in their rotation for 2024 that might have been difficult to fill, particularly with the team’s championship window still open. The Dodgers are built to contend, and letting go of Buehler could have sent the wrong message to the fanbase.

### 2. **Re-Sign Buehler with Incentive-Based Contract**

Another option was for the Dodgers to offer Buehler a contract based on incentives rather than a guaranteed deal. This would have allowed the team to retain Buehler’s services while mitigating some of the financial risks associated with his recovery process. Under this scenario, Buehler could have signed a one- or two-year deal with performance bonuses tied to games started, innings pitched, or other statistical milestones.

An incentive-laden contract would have provided both sides with flexibility. The Dodgers could have managed Buehler’s workload more conservatively while giving him the opportunity to earn significant compensation based on his performance. On the other hand, Buehler would have been motivated to prove he was back to his old self, knowing that he could earn a lucrative deal if he returned to his pre-injury form.

### 3. **Guarantee a Full Contract with Team Options**

The third option was for the Dodgers to offer Buehler a fully guaranteed contract, with either a team option for 2025 or a mutual option. This would have provided Buehler with more security as he continued his rehab process, but it would also come with a certain level of risk for the Dodgers.

If Buehler were to return to his dominant form, the team could have enjoyed a major bargain, with the option to keep him on the roster for 2025 at a reasonable price. However, if Buehler struggled with injuries or failed to regain his former performance, the Dodgers could have been stuck with a high-priced player who didn’t live up to expectations.

Ultimately, this option reflected the team’s belief in Buehler’s potential but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his recovery.

### 4. **Trade Buehler for Prospects or Major League Talent**

Lastly, there was the possibility that the Dodgers could attempt to trade Buehler. While this would have been a more complex move, trading Buehler for a mix of prospects or major league talent could have served as a strategic play, especially if the team believed they could acquire another starting pitcher who was more reliable in the short term.

A trade would have likely required the Dodgers to include Buehler as part of a package deal, potentially sending him to a team that was willing to take a risk on his recovery and offer him a chance at a new environment. However, trading Buehler would have signaled a clear shift in direction for the Dodgers, indicating that they were ready to move on from the former ace and potentially invest in younger talent for the future.

## The Dodgers’ Decision

After weighing all their options, the Dodgers opted to **offer Walker Buehler a one-year, incentive-laden contract** for the 2024 season. This decision was a compromise between giving Buehler a chance to prove himself while also protecting the team from excessive risk. The contract, which includes performance bonuses for games started, innings pitched, and strikeouts, ensures that Buehler is motivated to give his best effort as he continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery.

The Dodgers’ decision reflects their commitment to Buehler as a key part of their pitching staff, but also their cautious approach in managing his return. With this deal, Buehler has the opportunity to prove he can once again be an elite pitcher, while the team maintains the flexibility to move in another direction if his performance or health do not meet expectations.

### Why This Decision Makes Sense

The Dodgers’ choice to bring Buehler back on an incentive-heavy deal was not only a vote of confidence in his recovery but also a recognition of the team’s needs for the 2024 season. The Dodgers’ pitching staff, while talented, had some gaps following the departures of several veteran arms. With the right moves, Buehler could provide the team with a much-needed boost in its rotation—especially if he can return to form and regain his pre-injury velocity and command.

Furthermore, the decision to offer Buehler a one-year deal gives the Dodgers flexibility in the future. If Buehler’s recovery hits a snag, the team is not locked into a long-term commitment, but if he flourishes, the Dodgers have the chance to keep him on a reasonable deal or re-sign him for the future.

### What’s Next for Walker Buehler?

For Buehler, this offseason represents a crucial period in his career. The next year will be pivotal in determining whether he can fully reclaim his status as one of the top pitchers in the game. He will need to prove not only that his arm is healthy but that he can recapture the consistency and dominance that made him one of the Dodgers’ most exciting young stars.

Buehler will enter 2024 with plenty of pressure on him to succeed, but with the support of the Dodgers’ medical staff and a solid recovery plan in place, he has the chance to reestablish himself as an ace. If he can stay healthy and perform at a high level, the Dodgers will have a potent weapon at the top of their rotation.

### Conclusion

The Dodgers’