Walker Buehler, Dodgers avoid any arbitration headache until 2023 with 2-year, $8 million contract

Walker Buehler has signed a 2-year, $8 million contract with the Dodgers to avoid arbitration until 2023, and the deal includes incentives that could take the contract to a maximum of two years and $12.125 million.

Buehler’s deal also includes escalators. His base salary in 2022 will increase by $500K at each of the following thresholds – 14 games started, 16, 18, 20, 24, 28. It also would increase by $1.125M if he wins the Cy Young Award or $625K if he finishes second or third. https://t.co/fALJVJuVjv

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 11, 2021

Last month, it was reported that Buehler filed at $4.15 million in arbitration with the Dodgers filing at $3.3 million, so it seems like the two sides settled around the midway point for 2021 when factoring in a prorated signing bonus.

Where this seems like a bargain is the second year, as Buehler would be in line for only $4.25 million guaranteed (including prorated signing bonus), a measly raise of just ~$500k or so. While the incentives could take it up to a more reasonable $8.375 million, getting guaranteed money was the draw for Buehler here as obviously the Dodgers don’t mind paying him an undermarket incentive-laden deal.

As a Super Two player, Buehler had four years of arbitration and this buys out his first two years, so the Dodgers can avoid any potential headache next off-season with their “secret” staff ace.

My bad — game 163 came before his 2 "less good" postseason games, so it's actually 3-0 with a 1.28 over his last 9. Guy stinks.

— Joe Davis (@Joe_Davis) February 9, 2021

The Dodgers have now settled all their arbitration cases except for perpetual, yet unlikely, playoff hero Austin Barnes.