Why Walker Buehler Made Notable Change Upon Joining Red Sox
The 2025 MLB season will present a lot of new for Walker Buehler.
The upcoming campaign will mark Buehler’s first professional season outside of the Dodgers organization. Buehler, who had been under the Los Angeles umbrella since 2015, joined the Red Sox in free agency after helping the Dodgers win a pair of World Series titles in five years.
The veteran right-hander made another change immediately upon signing on the dotted line in Boston. Buehler, who wore No. 21 throughout his eight-year tenure with the Dodgers, revealed he will rock No. 0 in his first season with the Red Sox.
So, why didn’t Buehler stick with No. 21 in Boston? While the number isn’t occupied by anyone on the current roster, it’s more or less unavailable. No Red Sox player has worn No. 21 since legendary pitcher Roger Clemens left Boston after the 1996 season.
As for Buehler’s new number, the two-time All-Star will become only the third player in Red Sox history to don No. 0. The digit previously was sported by Brandon Phillips (2018) and Adam Ottavino (2021).