In a developing story that could significantly shake up the National League playoff picture, the Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly in serious talks to acquire a former Los Angeles Dodgers ace — a right-hander who once posted a stellar 3.10 ERA and remains one of the most respected arms on the market.
Multiple sources around the league have confirmed that the Phillies have emerged as a leading candidate to land Walker Buehler, the hard-throwing, playoff-proven pitcher who made a name for himself during his dominant stretch with the Dodgers.
Though Buehler has been working his way back from injury and managing a cautious return to full form, teams across MLB continue to view him as a high-upside rotation addition — and Philadelphia appears ready to take the gamble in a push for October glory.
The Phillies, currently battling for position atop the NL East, are believed to be seeking one more impact arm to solidify their rotation behind Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Ranger Suárez. Buehler, when healthy, fits the mold perfectly — a strike-thrower with elite stuff, big-game experience, and postseason poise.
“He’s exactly the kind of guy who could push the Phillies over the top,” one NL executive told ESPN. “If he’s healthy — even 85% of what he was — that’s a dangerous rotation.”
Buehler’s 3.10 ERA during his prime years with the Dodgers came with excellent peripherals, including a WHIP consistently under 1.05 and a strikeout-to-walk ratio among the best in the league. While injuries have slowed him in recent seasons, scouts say his velocity and command are trending in the right direction.
It’s unclear at this time what the Dodgers might seek in return, though insiders suggest it could involve a package centered around top-10 prospects or young bullpen arms, depending on Buehler’s health status and contract control.
Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has never shied away from bold moves — and if this one materializes, it could go down as one of the most impactful of the 2025 season.
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