Boston interested in 2024 World Series star

The Red Sox need to improve their starting lineup, and a handful of names have been mentioned ad nauseum as potential additions to Boston.

Craig Breslow and Co. have reportedly been in contact with Max Fried and Corbin Burnes, the top two starters left in free agency. There has also been a lot of talk about the Red Sox possibly making a blockbuster trade with the Chicago White Sox for Garrett Crochet.

But in a column published Monday night, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe mentioned another Boston pitching target who hasn’t gotten much buzz this offseason. According to Abraham, the Red Sox are interested in right-hander Walker Buehler.

Buehler appeared to be on his way to becoming one of the better pitchers in baseball as he earned two All-Star selections in 2019 and 2021 and received National League Cy Young votes in both seasons. But he suffered a significant setback in 2023 when he missed the entire campaign following Tommy John surgery.

The 30-year-old struggled in his first year back — he posted a 5.38 ERA in 16 regular-season starts — but he stepped up when the Dodgers needed him most. Buehler didn’t allow a single run in the NL Championship Series and 2024 World Series and allowed just five hits over 10 combined innings. Los Angeles also turned to Buehler for the final inning of the deciding game of the Fall Classic in the Bronx.

The Red Sox should probably prioritize players like Fried, Burnes and Crochet as they look to stabilize their pitching staff. But Buehler would be a cheaper option that could end up exceeding expectations.