If Walker Buehler had hit free agency after, say, the 2021 season when he posted a 2.47 ERA over 33 starts with the Dodgers, he likely would have commanded one of the biggest contracts for a pitcher in baseball history. That wasn’t the case. The 30-year-old’s first foray into the open market came at a much-different point in his career.

Walker Buehler signed with the Red Sox because he believes the club is primed for a breakout, and if the right-hander has his way, he won't be coming to Boston alone.

"I think this team is ready to be able to compete in the division and in the whole league,” said Buehler, a free agent righthander who signed a one-year, $21.05 million deal with the Red Sox.