Walker Buehler

Walker Buehler's Biography

Born on July 28, 1994, Walker Anthony Buehler is a professional baseball pitcher hailing from America. The LA Dodgers of the Major League Baseball (MLB) are privileged enough to count him among their ranks, as Buehler is recognized as one of the elite pitchers in baseball today.

Before the making of his significant progress in the professional sphere, Buehler was shaping his foundation at Vanderbilt University as part of the Vanderbilt Commodores’ baseball team. He was an integral member of the team that clinched the 2014 College World Series championship. His pitching prowess and potential did not go unnoticed, as he was drafted 24th overall by the LA Dodgers in the 2015 MLB draft. It was in 2017 that Buehler earned his stripes by making his MLB debut. He proved his mettle subsequently, earning All-Star honors in 2019 and again in 2021. His contributions also played a vital role in helping the Dodgers clinch the 2020 World Series title.

Buehler’s journey to the zenith of baseball began at Lexington, Kentucky’s Henry Clay High School. His talents were evident early on as he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 14th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft. However, he chose instead to honor his commitment to Vanderbilt University and continue improving his game at the college level.

Buehler proved instrumental for his Vanderbilt Commodores team during his sophomore year, registering an impressive 12-2 record with 111 strikeouts and a 2.64 ERA. He was also part of a historic moment in 2014, pitching 5+1⁄3 innings of no-hit relief to lead his team to victory over the University of California, Irvine. His performance continued to improve year after year, with an incredible sophomore year where he posted a 2.95 ERA in 88+1⁄3 innings and consistently improving strikeout-to-walk ratio.

All of these achievements led to the LA Dodgers selecting him as their 24th pick overall in the 2015 Major League Baseball draft, offering him a bonus of $1.78 million. After his signing, he had a setback in the form of Tommy John surgery, which had its consequent recovery period. Nonetheless, he defeated all odds and made his professional baseball debut in 2016. He had a promising start, retiring all six batters he faced and striking out three.

His growth was even more prominent in the 2017 season with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. His good performances were rewarded, and he was promoted to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers. He continued to shine with 11 starts and a 3.49 ERA, earning a spot in the mid-season Texas League all-star game. Later in the season, he was promoted to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers. He ended his season so strong that he was tagged, the Dodgers minor league pitcher of the year.

The Dodgers finally brought Buehler up to the major league roster in 2017. He made his MLB debut with the Colorado Rockies, holding them to two scoreless innings. He claimed his first major league win over the Philadelphia Phillies later that same season.

His career saw an exponential rise in 2018 when he played the first combined no-hitter in Dodgers’ history against the San Diego Padres, earning him more prominence and respect in the league. Despite dealing with a rib injury, Buehler ended the season strong, finishing third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting only behind Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto.

In 2019, Buehler had a standout season. He hit his first career home run and pitched his first complete game. His performance earned him a spot in the 2019 MLB All-Star Game. He achieved another milestone, becoming the third pitcher in MLB history with multiple games with 15 strikeouts and no walks in the same season. His consistent performance led the Dodgers to their 7th consecutive win of the NL West Division.

2020 brought different types of challenges, with the pandemic stifling many regular-season games. This however did not deter Buehler. Although his season record was cut short to 1–0, he played an instrumental role in clinching the 2020 World Series for the Dodgers against the Tampa Bay Rays.

As the 2021 season approached, Buehler signed a two-year contract valued at $8 million. Despite some hindrances, he shone in the regular season, matching Dodgers’ franchise record of 23 consecutive starts without a loss. He was a 2021 National League All-Star and ended the 2021 season with a career-best performance.

Further glory and accolades for Buehler couldn’t detract from the rigors of the sport, as he underwent season-ending surgery on his right arm in August 2022. He also had a second Tommy John surgery to replace his ulnar collateral ligament. The Dodgers showed their confidence in Buehler by signing him to an $8.025 million contract for the 2023 season, despite his injury.

After missing the entire 2023 season, Buehler is eager to return to the playing field for the 2024 season. His first few games back may have seen him struggle, but his subsequent starts have led many to believe that Walker Buehler’s best is yet to come. With his imposing presence on the field, he will continue to be a formidable force in the pitcher’s mount, potentially leading the Dodgers towards triumph and glory in the years to come.