Phillies Labeled 'Ideal Landing Spot' for Bounce-Back Pitcher

Veteran pitcher Walker Buehler could find new life with the Phillies after a disastrous 2025 season.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Philadelphia Phillies appear to be content with their starting rotation going into spring training, but Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly believes the team could be an ideal landing spot for bounce-back pitcher Walker Buehler. Buehler, who posted a 0.66 ERA in 13.2 innings with the Phillies last September after being released by the Red Sox, could provide valuable depth and insurance for the Phillies' rotation.

Why it matters

The Phillies are looking to build on a strong 2025 season and make a deep playoff run in 2026. Adding a bounce-back candidate like Buehler could give them additional rotation depth and flexibility, especially if there are any issues with their current starters.

The details

Buehler recorded a 4.96 ERA in 26 appearances (24 starts) with the Red Sox last year, but showed signs of improvement in his brief stint with the Phillies. The Philadelphia coaching staff may have found something that helped him turn a corner, and a chance to work more extensively with pitching coach Caleb Cotham, a fellow Vanderbilt alum, could be Buehler's best option to get his career back on track.

  • Pitchers and catchers are set to report to Clearwater, Florida on February 11, 2026.
  • Buehler made three appearances for the Phillies in September 2025, posting a 0.66 ERA.

The players

Walker Buehler

A veteran pitcher who is looking to bounce back after a disastrous 2025 season with the Red Sox, where he recorded a 4.96 ERA in 26 appearances (24 starts).

Caleb Cotham

The Phillies' pitching coach, who shares a Vanderbilt connection with Buehler and could help the pitcher get his career back on track.

Dave Dombrowski

The Phillies' president of baseball operations, who has not made any external additions to the team's starting rotation so far this offseason.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Buehler would be a good insurance policy for the Phillies if things don't go as planned in their starting rotation. He did post a 0.66 ERA over 13.2 innings pitched with the Phillies last September after his release from the Red Sox. He was drawn to the Phillies in part because of his shared Vanderbilt ties with pitching coach Caleb Cotham. A chance to work with him for a more extended period, even if he could get pushed to the bullpen at some point, might be Buehler's best option as he tries to get his career back on track.”

— Tim Kelly, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Phillies will have to decide whether to offer Buehler a minor league deal with a spring training invite or a major league contract in the ballpark of $2 million, which would minimize the costs for the organization while also giving him a chance to prove himself.

The takeaway

The Phillies' interest in Buehler highlights their desire to add depth and flexibility to their starting rotation as they look to build on their strong 2025 season. If the coaching staff can help Buehler regain his form, he could provide valuable insurance and potentially even push for a spot in the rotation.