Report: Yankees, Buehler have mutual interest

Walker Buehler ended the New York Yankees' season last month. Now, he might be ready to join them.

The Yankees and Buehler, now a free agent, have some mutual interest in a union this winter, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported.

New York got a close look at Buehler during this year's World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander shut down the Yankees' lineup, throwing seven shutout innings across two appearances in Los Angeles' five-game victory. He secured the series-clinching win with a flawless ninth inning to close out Game 5 at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees are looking to upgrade their rotation behind ace Gerrit Cole this winter, according to Morosi. Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil are likely penciled in for 2025, leaving one spot potentially open. Marcus Stroman, the team's big free-agent addition last offseason, didn't pitch in the playoffs after a disappointing 2024 and could be a trade candidate, while Nestor Cortes battled elbow troubles and finished his year in the bullpen.

Buehler's coming off a rough 2024 campaign - he posted a career-worst 5.38 ERA and 1.55 WHIP along with 64 strikeouts in 16 regular-season starts for the Dodgers. It was the two-time All-Star's first action in nearly two years following Tommy John surgery.

But the 30-year-old rediscovered his old form in October, turning in three scoreless outings during the Dodgers' run to their second championship in five years. The only six runs he allowed in the playoffs all came during the second inning in Game 3 of the NLDS.

Buehler, who isn't tied to draft-pick compensation, has also reportedly drawn interest from the Atlanta Braves and Athletics this winter.