I’m already 30 years old! Will the WS-winning hero, the 100-mile fireballer who shared a meal with Ryu Hyun-jin, eventually leave the LA Dodgers?

Buehler celebrates after making the save that sealed the win in Game 5 of the World Series against the New York Yankees. /Getty Images Korea

Buehler throws the ball vigorously in Game 5 of the World Series. /Getty Images Korea

[마이데일리 = 심재희 기자] There is a possibility that Walker Buehler (30, LA Dodgers), a ‘100 mph (approximately 161 km per hour) fireballer’ who once enjoyed a close relationship with ‘Korean Monster’ Ryu Hyun-jin (37, Hanwha Eagles), may leave the LA Dodgers and find a new home. The Atlanta Braves, who have a hole in their starting lineup, are making wooing gestures to Buehler.

‘MLB Trade Rumors’ reported on the 16th (Korean time) that ‘Atlanta has expressed interest in Buehler.’ The media pointed out that Max Fried has been released as a free agent and a transfer is likely, and Buehler is being considered as an option to strengthen Atlanta’s starting lineup with Charlie Morton aging.

Buehler made his big league debut with the Dodgers in 2017. From the following year, he was included in the Dodgers’ starting lineup and played an active role. In 2018, he appeared in 24 games and pitched 137.1 innings, recording an earned run average (ERA) of 8 wins, 4 losses, and 2.62. In 2019, he pitched in 30 games, ate up 182.1 innings, and recorded 14 wins, 4 losses, and an ERA of 3.26. From 2017 to 2019, he shared the Dodgers mound with Ryu Hyun-jin.

In 2020, which was a shortened 60-game season due to the novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19), he played in 8 games and recorded 1 win and an ERA of 3.44. In 2021, he played the role of an ace with 16 wins, 4 losses, and ERA 2.47 in 33 games and 207.2 innings. He also ranked 4th in the National Women’s League Cy Young Award voting. However, he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, and returned this season after a hiatus last year. He played in 16 games this year, but performed poorly with 1 win, 6 losses, and an ERA of 5.38.

Buehler. /Getty Images Korea

Buehler, who has a career record of 47 wins, 22 losses, and an ERA of 3.27 in the big leagues, showed good performance in the postseason and was reborn as a ‘strong heart.’ In 19 games (18 starts), he recorded 4 wins, 4 losses, and an ERA of 3.04. In 2020, he led the Dodgers to the championship with 2 wins and an ERA of 1.80, and this year he also helped the Dodgers conquer the top with 1 win and 1 loss with an ERA of 3.60. In particular, he recorded a save in Game 5 of the World Series, ending his victory.

Currently, the Dodgers are considering recruiting Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki. Shohei Otani is also expected to return to the ‘dual sword style’ starting next season and stand on the mound again. This is another reason why Buehler, who has performed poorly this season, is likely to be transferred. It remains to be seen whether Buehler, who has a history of surgery and is now in his 30s, will find a new home.