Overview

• Buehler was designated after a rocky Boston stint that included a 7–7 record, a 5.45 ERA and a career-worst 4.4 walks per nine, with a demotion from the rotation preceding his exit.
• He signed a one-year, $21 million deal in the offseason following a standout 2024 postseason with Los Angeles.
• Team officials prioritized promoting a top prospect, prompting the late-season cut.
• CBS Sports’ Matt Snyder identified the Royals as a possible destination, suggesting a swingman or long-relief role under pitching coach Brian Sweeney.
• Commentary from Dodgers-focused outlets urged a low-cost reunion in Los Angeles for bullpen depth, framing any return as a relief-only scenario.