The Philadelphia Phillies might still be looking for another starter, and that could bring them to the doorstep of former Boston Red Sox pitcher Walker Buehler, who had a terrible 2025 season. Elsewhere, insider Mark C. Healey believes the Mets might shop Brett Baty and two other names before Opening Day.
Let’s get to both these updates.
Phillies Turn to Walker Buehler
The Phillies have a flurry of starting pitchers, including Cristopher Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo, Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker and Zack Wheeler. Their top pitching prospect, Andrew Painter, could come in handy as well, although he may not be major league-ready yet after posting a 5.40 ERA in 22 starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley last year.
Another drawback while searching for the starting arm is the fact that whoever comes up may not get 20+ starts for the Phillies, as their rotation will most likely comprise Sánchez, Luzardo, Nola, Wheeler and Painter. This takes out several top arms like Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez and Max Scherzer from contention.
MLB analyst Tim Kelly suggested Walker Buehler could be the man the Phillies could sign. Buehler is a free agent who largely spent last year with the Red Sox before the Phillies acquired him in the second half of the season. Across 26 starts, he posted a 4.93 ERA.
The concerning thing about him is that he has posted a 5.10 ERA over 201.1 innings since returning from his second Tommy John surgery. While this might not be an appealing job, if he has no interest whatsoever, Buehler will hold on to anything he can to prove himself.
Mets May Shop Brett Baty Ahead of Opening Day
The Mets might not be done with trades this offseason. Among the significant pieces they have moved include Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil as they reshape their roster after failing to make the postseason last year.
MLB reporter Mark C. Healey feels the Mets could trade “Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and/or David Peterson before the season starts.”
Healey added:
“Despite all of the moves, I still think this roster seems unfinished. This is based on my gut, nothing more. I say this, not wanting to trade any of these guys, but I can’t shake the nagging feeling that there are more moves coming.”
Last season, Baty batted .254 with 18 home runs and 50 RBIs in 130 games played. The 26-year-old has been playing for the Mets since 2022 after being selected 12th overall in the 2019 MLB draft.
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