Walker Buehler
Walker Buehler
Main page
434402

Walker Buehler

logo
Community Hub0 subscribers
Read side by side
Walker Buehler
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Walker Anthony Buehler (born July 28, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Key Information

Buehler played college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores and was a member of their 2014 College World Series championship team. He was selected by the Dodgers 24th overall in the 2015 MLB draft and made his MLB debut in 2017. Buehler was an All-Star in 2019 and 2021 and helped the Dodgers win the 2020 and 2024 World Series, earning the series-clinching save in the latter.

Early life

[edit]

Walker Anthony Buehler was born on July 28, 1994, in Lexington, Kentucky. Buehler attended Henry Clay High School in Lexington.[1] He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 14th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft but did not sign and instead chose to play college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores.[2]

College career

[edit]

As a freshman in 2013, he made 9 starts and appeared in 16 games. He had a 4–3 record with a 3.14 earned run average (ERA) and 57 strikeouts. As a sophomore, he went 12–2 with 111 strikeouts and a 2.64 ERA and was a member of the 2014 College World Series championship team.[3][4][5] On June 16, 2014, Buehler pitched 5+1⁄3 innings of no-hit relief, retiring the first nine batters he faced and striking out seven batters in Vanderbilt's win over University of California Irvine.[6]

Buehler as a Vanderbilt sophomore in 2014

After the 2014 season Buehler pitched once for the U.S. collegiate team[7] and played for the Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL).[8] He posted a 0.63 earned run average with 24 strikeouts over 28+2⁄3 innings pitched for the Red Sox.[9] In the 2014 CCBL playoffs, he did not allow a run in 15+1⁄3 innings, won both of his starts, and was a co-winner of MVP honors,[10] leading the Red Sox to the league championship.[11]

In 2015, as a junior, he posted a 2.95 ERA in 88+1⁄3 innings for the Commodores, while striking out 92 and walking 30.[12] Over the course of his three-year college career, he went 21–7 with a 2.87 ERA in 51 games, striking out 260 against only 86 walks.[12]

Professional career

[edit]

Draft and minor leagues

[edit]

Buehler was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 24th overall selection of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft[13] and signed on July 17, 2015, for a $1.78 million bonus.[14] Soon after his signing, it was revealed that he would require Tommy John surgery and would therefore be sidelined for a significant period with recovery.[15] He finally made his professional baseball debut on August 23, 2016, for the Arizona League Dodgers, striking out three and retiring all six batters he faced.[16] He was then promoted to the Great Lakes Loons of the Midwest League on August 28.[17] He appeared in two games for the Loons, making one start, and did not allow a run or a hit in the three innings he pitched.[18]

Buehler began the 2017 season with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the California League and allowed only three runs in 16+1⁄3 innings over five starts before he was promoted to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers of the Texas League on May 2.[19] While with the Drillers, he made 11 starts with a 3.49 ERA and was selected to appear in the mid-season Texas League all-star game.[20] He was promoted to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers at mid-season[21] where he made three starts before transitioning to the bullpen in preparation for a potential September major league callup.[22] He had a 4.63 ERA in 23+1⁄3 innings for Oklahoma City.[23] At the end of the season, he was selected as the Dodgers minor league pitcher of the year.[24]

Buehler with the Tulsa Drillers in 2017

Los Angeles Dodgers (2017–2024)

[edit]

2017

[edit]

The Dodgers added Buehler to the major league roster for the first time on September 6, 2017,[25] and he made his major league debut that night with two scoreless innings of relief against the Colorado Rockies. His first MLB strikeout was against Charlie Blackmon of the Rockies.[26] He picked up his first major league win with a scoreless inning of relief against the Philadelphia Phillies on September 21.[27] Overall, Buehler appeared in eight Dodgers games in 2017, allowing eight runs in 9+1⁄3 innings (7.71 ERA) with 12 strikeouts and eight walks.[28]

2018

[edit]

Buehler made his first major league start on April 23, 2018, against the Miami Marlins, pitching five scoreless innings.[29] On May 4, against the San Diego Padres, he took a no-hitter through six innings, with eight strikeouts, until being taken out of the game after 93 pitches. Three relief pitchers combined to finish it off as the Dodgers won 4–0, the first combined no-hitter in franchise history.[30] He was placed on the disabled list on June 21 because of a rib injury.[31] He returned to make an appearance out of the bullpen on June 28 but allowed five earned runs in one inning before returning to the disabled list.[32] On July 13, Buehler made his first start in over a month against the Los Angeles Angels, allowing two solo home runs to Kole Calhoun but no other earned runs.[33] He set a new career high in strikeouts with nine on August 22.[34] After three more nine-strikeout starts, he struck out 12 on September 19 against the Colorado Rockies.[35]

On October 1, Buehler started the NL West Tie-Breaker Game against the Colorado Rockies. He picked up the win, giving up only one hit and allowing no runner to advance past second base. He also got his first career MLB run batted in in his 47th plate appearance.[36] In 24 appearances for the Dodgers (23 starts and one relief appearance) in 2018, Buehler was 8–5 with a 2.62 ERA and 151 strikeouts.[28] In the 2018 NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, he started one game and allowed five runs in five innings; in the 2018 NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers he started two games, allowing five runs in 11+2⁄3 innings; and he threw seven scoreless innings in Game 3 of the 2018 World Series against the Boston Red Sox.[28] Buehler finished third in voting for the National League Rookie of the Year, behind Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto.[37]

2019

[edit]

On April 11, Buehler hit his first career home run off of Michael Wacha of the St. Louis Cardinals.[38] On June 21, he threw his first complete game against the Colorado Rockies, becoming the first Dodger pitcher with over 15 strikeouts and no walks. He struck out 16 Rockies, giving up three hits on 111 pitches.[39] He was selected to the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, his first all-star appearance, in which he gave up one run in one inning.[40] On August 3, Buehler pitched another complete game, against the San Diego Padres. He struck out 15 Padre hitters and walked none; San Diego's only run was a Manuel Margot solo home run. At the same time he became only the third pitcher in MLB history (after Dwight Gooden and Pedro Martínez) to pitch multiple games with 15 strikeouts and no walks in the same season.[41]

Buehler finished the 2019 regular season with a record of 14–4, and a 3.26 ERA (9th in the NL) in 30 starts, with two complete games and 215 strikeouts.[28] His .778 win–loss percentage was the best in the league, and he also led the league in complete games with two.[28] He finished ninth in the Cy Young Award voting.[28] Buehler was named the Dodgers' game one starter for the NLDS. He allowed only one hit in six scoreless innings while striking out eight and walking three to pick up the win.[42] He also started the deciding fifth game of the series, allowing only one run in 6+2⁄3 innings while striking out seven in a game the Dodgers lost in extra innings to the eventual World Champion Washington Nationals.[43]

2020

[edit]

In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Buehler posted a 1–0 record with a 3.44 ERA in eight starts, striking out 42 batters in 36.2 innings.[28] Buehler started the first games of the first and second round playoff series against the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres, pitching just four innings in each game, with three total runs allowed.[28] In the NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, he started the first and sixth games, working a total of 11 innings with only one run allowed while striking out 13. He was the winning pitcher in game 6.[44] In the third game of the 2020 World Series, Buehler picked up the win against the Tampa Bay Rays, striking out 10 in six innings while allowing one earned run on three hits. He was the third-youngest pitcher with 10 or more strikeouts and three or fewer hits in a World Series game, behind only Ed Walsh in 1906 and Josh Beckett in 2003.[45] The Dodgers won the World Series in six games.[46]

2021

[edit]

Buehler was eligible for salary arbitration for the first time before the 2021 season. On February 10, he signed a two-year contract with the Dodgers for $8 million.[47] On June 20, Buehler won his seventh game of the season, tying Kirby Higbe for the Dodgers franchise record of 23 consecutive starts without a loss, in Buehler's case going back to the 2019 season. (Higby's feat dated back to the 1940s.)[48][49] He was a 2021 National League All Star,[50] and the July 2021 NL Pitcher of the Month.[51]

Buehler was 16–4 (.800; 2nd in the NL) in the 2021 regular season, with a 2.47 ERA (3rd) and 212 strikeouts (7th). His 16 wins were 3rd in the league. He gave up 6.458 hits per 9 innings (2nd in the NL), and had a WHIP of 0.968 (4th).[28] Buehler started the first game of the 2021 NLDS against the San Francisco Giants, allowing three runs on 6+1⁄3 innings to take the loss.[52] He then started Game 4 on short rest, the first time he had done that in his career. In the game, he allowed one run on three hits in 4+1⁄3 innings.[53] He struggled in his first start in the 2021 NLCS, allowing four runs on six hits while walking three in 3+2⁄3 innings in game 3.[54] He again pitched on short rest in game 6 after Max Scherzer was unable to go, and allowed seven hits and four runs (three of them on a home run by Eddie Rosario) in four innings while striking out six, as the Dodgers were eliminated from the playoffs by the eventual champion Atlanta Braves.[55]

2022

[edit]

Buehler made his first Opening Day start on April 8 for the Dodgers against the Rockies.[56] He allowed two runs in five innings to record the win.[57] On April 25, he pitched his first career shutout against the Arizona Diamondbacks, striking out 10 batters and allowing only three hits and no walks.[58] Buehler made 12 starts for the Dodgers in 2022, with a 6–3 record and 4.02 ERA.[28] He left a game with the Giants on June 10 because of discomfort in his pitching elbow, and had arthroscopic surgery in June to remove bone spurs in his elbow.[59][60]

This eventually resulted in him undergoing season-ending surgery on his right arm in August 2022.[61] After his surgery was performed, the Dodgers announced that Buehler underwent both his second Tommy John surgery in which his ulnar collateral ligament was replaced, as well as flexor tendon repair, likely keeping him sidelined until the 2024 season.[62][63] Despite his injury, the Dodgers signed him to an $8.025 million contract for the 2023 season to avoid salary arbitration.[64]

2023

[edit]

Buehler and the Dodgers initially hoped he would be able to rejoin the team in September and possibly for the postseason. However, after one two-inning minor league rehab appearance the team announced that he would not return in 2023 and hoped to be back for the start of the 2024 season.[65]

2024

[edit]

After missing all of the 2023 season, Buehler signed a one-year, $8.025 million contract for 2024 in his final year of arbitration, matching his salary from the previous season.[66] Buehler was activated from the injured list on May 6 and made his first start in almost two years.[67][68]

In the weeks after returning from his injury, Buehler struggled and recorded a 5.84 ERA in 37 innings pitched. After a rough outing on June 18 in which he surrendered seven earned runs in four innings to the Colorado Rockies, Buehler returned to the injured list with a hip injury.[69][70] Concerned about his performance, Buehler left the team to work out by himself at a private sports facility in Florida[71] before rejoining their AAA affiliate in Oklahoma City for another rehab stint, with mixed results.[72] The Dodgers activated him on August 14 for his first major league start in almost two months, and he again struggled, leading him to say that he was not meeting his standard of performance.[73] He remained in the Dodgers rotation the rest of the season due to the remaining starters being mainly injured, making 16 starts and finishing with a 1–6 record and 5.38 ERA.[28]

Buehler made his first postseason start since 2021 in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Padres, allowing six runs on seven hits in five innings.[74] He did a better job in his next start, Game 3 of the NLCS against the New York Mets, when he struck out six in four scoreless innings.[75] In Game 3 of the World Series, he struck out five while only allowing two hits in five scoreless innings, picking up the win.[76] In Game 5, Buehler pitched the ninth inning on only one day of rest, inducing a groundout and then striking out the final two batters of the game to pick up his first career Major League save as the Dodgers clinched the World Series championship for the eighth time, defeating the Yankees.[77]

Boston Red Sox (2025)

[edit]

On December 28, 2024, Buehler signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox worth $21.05 million, plus incentives.[78]

Buehler made his Red Sox debut on March 29, 2025, giving up four runs on seven hits in 4+1⁄3 innings against the Texas Rangers, getting the loss. He earned his first win in a Red Sox uniform in his next start, despite giving up five earned runs on seven hits in 5 innings. Buehler was placed on the injured list (IL) on May 2 due to shoulder inflammation.[79] He returned to action on May 20 against the New York Mets, pitching 2+1⁄3 hitless innings before being ejected by home plate umpire Mike Estabrook for arguing balls and strikes.[80]

Buehler continued to struggle after that incident. In June, he only lasted more than four innings once - a seven-inning performance against the New York Yankees in which he gave up three runs, the fewest runs he gave up in a start in June. His June ERA was 11.07, raising his then season total to 6.45. He was able to reduce his ERA to 5.72 in July, going five innings in three of his four starts, including a seven-inning performance against the Philadelphia Phillies. On July 27, Buehler went 4+2⁄3 innings and gave up three runs on four hits against the Los Angeles Dodgers, his former team.[81]

Buehler's future in the rotation looked uncertain as of early August, as he again failed to reach five innings pitched in another subpar performance against the Houston Astros.[82] But he bounced back with six scoreless innings in his next start against the San Diego Padres - his first scoreless outing all season, aside from the 2+1⁄3 innings he had pitched in May before he was ejected. On August 22, following two more below-average starts, Buehler was moved to the bullpen.[83]

On August 29, Buehler was released by the Red Sox. While the normal routine would have been to designate him for assignment and seek to make a trade, they respectfully wanted to give him a chance to catch on with another team in advance of the playoff roster deadline cutoff.[84] His final numbers with Boston was 7–7 with a 5.45 ERA in 22 starts.[85]

Philadelphia Phillies (2025)

[edit]

On August 31, 2025, Buehler signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.[86] He made one start for the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, where he allowed two runs (one earned) across three innings. On September 12, the Phillies selected Buehler's contract, adding him to their active roster.[87] He made three appearances (two starts) for Philadelphia, posting a 3–0 record and 0.66 ERA with eight strikeouts across 13+2⁄3 innings pitched. He was placed on the team's postseason roster for the NLDS against the Dodgers, but was not used as the Phillies were eliminated in four games.[88]

San Diego Padres (2026–present)

[edit]

On February 16, 2026, Buehler signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.[89] On March 25, the Padres selected Buehler's contract after he made the team's Opening Day roster.[90]

Personal life

[edit]

Buehler has heard the famous roll call scene from the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off many times throughout his life.[91] Buehler embraced the nickname "Ferris," incorporating it into his Twitter handle and wearing it on his jersey during the 2018 MLB Players Weekend.[92] He chose to wear the nickname "Buetane"[93] for the 2019 MLB Players Weekend.[94]

Buehler is a native of Lexington, Kentucky, the "Horse Capital of the World," home to the Kentucky Horse Park, The Red Mile and Keeneland race courses, and grew up a big fan of horse racing. He has a minority ownership stake in 2020 Kentucky Derby and 2020 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Authentic, trained by Bob Baffert.[95] Buehler attended the 2020 Breeders' Cup Classic.[96]

Buehler began dating McKenzie Marcinek when they were in the eighth grade. They married in December 2021. Their first child, a daughter they named Finley, was born in February 2024.[97]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Walker Buehler

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Walker Anthony Buehler (born July 28, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher currently a free agent in Major League Baseball (MLB).[1] Selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first round (24th overall) of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Vanderbilt University, Buehler made his major league debut in 2017 and rapidly established himself as one of the top starting pitchers in the National League.[1] Over his seven seasons with the Dodgers, he compiled a 47-22 record with a 3.02 ERA, including 754 strikeouts in 711⅔ innings, while showcasing a mid-90s fastball, devastating curveball, and effective changeup.[2] Buehler earned All-Star honors in 2019 and 2021, led the NL in winning percentage (.778) in 2019 with a 14-4 mark, and topped the league with two complete games in 2021.[3] A postseason standout, Buehler posted a 3.04 ERA across 80 innings in 15 starts for the Dodgers, helping secure World Series titles in 2020 and 2024; in the latter, he threw five scoreless innings in Game 3 and recorded the series-clinching save with a perfect ninth inning in Game 5 against the New York Yankees.[4] His career accolades also include the 2018 Topps All-Star Rookie Team selection and a third-place finish in NL Rookie of the Year voting that year.[3] However, Buehler's trajectory was disrupted by arm injuries, including his first Tommy John surgery in 2015 prior to signing professionally and a second in August 2022 following flexor tendon damage, which sidelined him for nearly two full seasons until his return in May 2024.[5] After declining the Dodgers' qualifying offer and becoming a free agent following the 2024 championship, Buehler signed a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Boston Red Sox in December 2024, including incentives and a mutual option for 2026.[6] His 2025 season with Boston proved challenging, as he went 7-7 with a 5.45 ERA in 22 starts amid ongoing recovery effects, leading to his release on August 29, 2025.[7] Buehler quickly joined the Philadelphia Phillies on August 31 via a minor league contract, had his deal selected on September 12, and made three starts down the stretch, finishing the year 10-7 overall with a 4.93 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 126 innings across both teams.[8] He elected free agency on November 2, 2025, positioning him to seek his next opportunity as a 31-year-old right-hander with proven ace potential.[1]

Early life and amateur career

Early life

Walker Buehler was born on July 28, 1994, in Lexington, Kentucky, to parents Tony Buehler and Karen Walker.[9] His parents separated during his early years, after which Buehler was raised primarily by his mother in Lexington, while his father resided in Cincinnati, Ohio.[10] He has three siblings: brother Brady, sisters Delaney and Bella.[11] His father, Tony Buehler, pursued a career in banking, including a role as First Vice President at Bank of America.[9] Meanwhile, his mother, Karen Walker, established herself as a prominent trial lawyer and mediator in Lexington, also engaging in community volunteering and mentoring activities.[9][12] Buehler spent his childhood in the Lexington area, immersed in a supportive family environment that emphasized education and personal development.[13] From an early age, he showed strong academic aptitude, performing well in preparatory classes that prepared him for advanced studies.[14] His upbringing fostered a competitive spirit, partly influenced by playing against older children in neighborhood activities.[13] During this period, Buehler developed early interests in multiple sports, including basketball and baseball, alongside football and lacrosse.[10] His initial exposure to organized baseball came through local Little League programs in Lexington, where he played for teams like Eastern Little League under coaches such as Laurance VanMeter.[15][13] These experiences sparked his passion for the game and served as a precursor to more structured athletic endeavors.

High school career

Walker Buehler attended Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky, graduating in 2012 after lettering on the varsity baseball team for all four years.[2][11] As a pitcher, he emerged as a standout, compiling a career record of 16–12 with a 2.11 ERA over 166 innings pitched, during which he recorded 234 strikeouts against 75 walks.[16] In his senior season, Buehler set the school's single-season strikeout record with 98 strikeouts in 66 innings.[11] He earned recognition as a two-time All-State selection and a two-time All-City team member for his performances.[1] Buehler showcased versatility on the field, also playing shortstop and outfield, where he contributed offensively as well.[17] His high school success drew attention from college programs, leading to a commitment to Vanderbilt University in 2011.[11] Following his senior year, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected him in the 14th round of the 2012 MLB Draft, but Buehler opted to honor his college commitment rather than sign professionally.[18]

College career

Buehler enrolled at Vanderbilt University in 2013, majoring in political science with a minor in sociology and corporate strategy.[11] As a freshman that year, he appeared in 16 games, including 9 starts, compiling a 4-3 record with a 3.14 ERA over 63 innings pitched and 57 strikeouts.[18] Building on his high school accolades as a standout pitcher at Henry Clay High School, Buehler quickly adapted to the college level but focused on refining his command and velocity in the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).[11] In his sophomore season of 2014, Buehler experienced a breakout year, posting a 12-2 record with a 2.64 ERA across 102.1 innings in 19 appearances, primarily as a starter, while striking out 111 batters.[18] His performance was instrumental in Vanderbilt's successful run to the College World Series, where the Commodores defeated the University of Virginia 3-2 to claim the national championship.[19] Buehler's development during this period highlighted his growth as a power pitcher with a mid-90s fastball, sharp curveball, and emerging changeup, contributing to the team's overall pitching dominance.[20] As a junior in 2015, Buehler faced an early setback, missing the first few weeks of the season due to elbow soreness, but he returned strongly to post a 5–2 record with a 2.95 ERA in 16 starts over 88⅓ innings, recording 92 strikeouts.[21][22][18] He played a pivotal role in guiding Vanderbilt back to the College World Series, including a strong relief outing of 5.1 no-hit innings against UC Irvine, though the team fell short in the finals against Virginia.[11][23] Following the season, Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery on August 5, 2015, to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.[24] Buehler opted to forgo his senior year and enter the MLB Draft, where his consistent excellence and team contributions solidified his status as a top prospect.[20]

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

Buehler was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft out of Vanderbilt University. His college performance, including a 2.95 ERA and 92 strikeouts over 88.1 innings as a junior, contributed to his high draft position.[18] The Dodgers signed him to a $1.78 million bonus, below his slot value of $2,094,400, shortly after the draft. Following the draft, Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery on August 4, 2015, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache to address elbow discomfort identified in medical evaluations. The procedure sidelined him for the remainder of 2015, with an expected recovery timeline of 12 to 18 months. By 2016, he had fully recovered and made his professional debut, appearing in three games split between the rookie-level Arizona League Dodgers and Low-A Great Lakes Loons, where he posted a 0.00 ERA over 5 innings with 6 strikeouts.[18] Buehler's ascent accelerated in 2017. He began the season with the High-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, recording a 1.10 ERA with 5 strikeouts in 16.1 innings across five starts.[18] Promoted to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers in May, he made 11 starts with a 3.49 ERA, 64 strikeouts, and a 1.12 WHIP over 49 innings.[25] On July 16, he received a brief call-up to Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers, appearing in three starts with a 4.63 ERA and 34 strikeouts in 23.1 innings.[18] Across all levels that year, Buehler combined for a 3.35 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 88.2 innings over 19 starts.[18] Scouting reports from the 2015 draft highlighted Buehler's potential as a starter, praising his four-pitch mix led by a 90-96 mph fastball graded 60 on the 20-80 scale for its velocity and life.[20] His curveball and slider, both rated 55, showed weapon potential despite occasional inconsistency in differentiation, while his changeup (also 55) provided depth against left-handed hitters. Buehler's control was noted as average (55 grade), with the ability to throw strikes and command all offerings effectively.[20]

Los Angeles Dodgers (2017–2024)

Buehler made his major league debut on September 7, 2017, in relief against the Colorado Rockies, pitching two scoreless innings with three strikeouts in a 9-1 loss.[26] He appeared in eight games that September, posting a 7.71 ERA over 9⅓ innings with 12 strikeouts and eight walks. In his full rookie season of 2018, Buehler established himself as a key starter for the Dodgers, going 8-5 with a 2.62 ERA in 24 appearances (23 starts), striking out 151 batters in 137⅓ innings.[2] His performance earned him third place in National League Rookie of the Year voting. Buehler also contributed significantly in the postseason, including a seven-inning shutout in Game 3 of the World Series against the Boston Red Sox.[27] Buehler earned his first All-Star selection in 2019, finishing the regular season 14-4 with a 2.82 ERA in 30 starts and 182 innings pitched.[2] In the postseason, he went 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA across four appearances, including a complete-game shutout in the NLDS against the Washington Nationals. The 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Buehler go 1-0 with a 1.44 ERA in 10 starts during the regular season.[2] He played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' World Series championship, most notably starting Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Rays with six scoreless innings and eight strikeouts.[28] Buehler's breakout continued in 2021 as a second-time All-Star, where he led the National League with 16 wins, posting a 16-4 record and 2.47 ERA in 29 starts and 207⅔ innings, with 212 strikeouts.[2] He finished third in NL Cy Young Award voting.[29] In 2022, Buehler transitioned to a flexible role blending starts and relief outings early in the season but was limited to 12 starts (6-3, 4.02 ERA in 65 innings) before a right forearm inflammation and subsequent flexor tendon strain sidelined him in June; he underwent his second Tommy John surgery in August, ending his year.[30] Buehler missed the entire 2023 season while recovering from the surgery, with the Dodgers shutting him down in September despite hopes for a late return.[31] Buehler returned in 2024 after nearly two years away, making 16 starts with a 1-6 record and 5.38 ERA over 75⅓ innings before the All-Star break, showing improvement in the second half with better command and velocity.[32] He was briefly sidelined in June by right hip inflammation but resumed pitching.[33] In the postseason, Buehler went 1-1 with a 3.31 ERA in four appearances, including a scoreless ninth inning on one day's rest to earn the save in Game 5 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, clinching the Dodgers' second title in his tenure.[4] Over eight seasons with the Dodgers from 2017 to 2024, Buehler compiled a 47-22 record with a 3.04 ERA in 130 appearances (129 starts), totaling 715 innings and 754 strikeouts, while contributing to World Series championships in 2020 and 2024.[2] Regarding his contract, Buehler remained under pre-arbitration control through 2020, then signed extensions to avoid arbitration: a two-year, $8 million deal covering 2021-2022, followed by one-year agreements for 2023 ($8 million) and 2024 ($8.025 million); the Dodgers declined a $21.05 million qualifying offer after the 2024 season.[34][35]

Boston Red Sox (2025)

Following his departure from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Walker Buehler signed a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Boston Red Sox on December 23, 2024, as a free agent after declining the Dodgers' $21.5 million qualifying offer.[36][35] The deal, which included incentives and a $25 million mutual option for 2026 with a $3 million buyout, positioned Buehler to compete for a spot in Boston's starting rotation amid his ongoing recovery from Tommy John surgery performed in June 2023.[37] During spring training, Buehler impressed in his Grapefruit League outings, including scoreless two-inning stints with multiple strikeouts, earning praise for his command and velocity as he aimed to secure a rotation role.[38][39] In the 2025 regular season, Buehler made 20 starts for the Red Sox, posting a 9–6 record with a 5.14 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 50 walks, and 80 strikeouts over 98.1 innings pitched.[37][40] His walk rate reached a career-high 10.8%, reflecting ongoing command issues, while his average fastball velocity dipped to 94.1 mph, a noticeable decline from his Dodgers peak.[41][42] Buehler showed early promise with quality starts in April, highlighted by a seven-inning, one-run performance with nine strikeouts on Patriots' Day against the Chicago White Sox, but inconsistency mounted as command problems led to discussions of a potential demotion and a shift to the bullpen in late August.[43][44] He was not selected for the All-Star Game amid these struggles.[45] On August 29, 2025, the Red Sox released Buehler as part of a roster overhaul to promote top pitching prospect Payton Tolle, leaving the team responsible for approximately $3.4 million in remaining salary from his contract.[46][6] Buehler's tenure contributed to Boston's mid-pack finish, as the Red Sox ended the season third in the AL East with an 89–73 record before losing in the Wild Card Series.[47] In interviews following his release, Buehler expressed frustration over his performance and the challenges of reintegrating post-injury, noting the season's setbacks against the high expectations set by his prior success with the Dodgers.[48][49]

Philadelphia Phillies (2025)

Following his release by the Boston Red Sox in late August, Buehler signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on September 1, 2025, which included an opt-out provision, and was immediately assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.[50] In two starts for the IronPigs, Buehler delivered a solid 2.57 ERA across 7 innings pitched, showing signs of improved control after his challenging season in Boston.[51] The Phillies selected Buehler's contract from Triple-A on September 12, 2025, adding him to the 40-man roster as they sought rotation depth for their NL East playoff push amid several injuries to key starters.[52] Buehler made three appearances for Philadelphia—a pair of starts and one relief outing—over 13.2 innings, compiling a 1–1 record with a 3.29 ERA and 12 strikeouts. He displayed better command overall, particularly with his fastball touching 94–96 mph, a modest uptick from his velocity earlier in the year. In one notable outing, Buehler contributed to a September victory against the New York Mets by providing crucial length out of the bullpen during a tight contest.[53][32] Buehler did not earn a spot on the Phillies' postseason roster as they advanced to the NLDS but were eliminated. He elected free agency on November 2, 2025, at the conclusion of the regular season.[54]

Free agency (2025–present)

Following the conclusion of the 2025 Major League Baseball season, Walker Buehler declined a minor league assignment from the Philadelphia Phillies and elected free agency on November 2, 2025.[55] At age 31, Buehler enters the market with a notable injury history, including two Tommy John surgeries—the first during his college career at Vanderbilt and the second in 2023—which have impacted his durability and performance trajectory.[56] His 2025 season was mixed, finishing with an overall record of 10–7 and a 4.93 ERA across stints with the Boston Red Sox and Phillies.[7] Projections suggest he could command one-year deals in the $5–10 million range, reflecting teams' interest in a potential rebound as a mid-rotation starter or veteran depth option.[57] Represented by the Boras Corporation, Buehler has drawn interest from rebuilding teams seeking a seasoned presence to mentor younger pitchers and provide innings stability. Interest has been reported from clubs in the National League Central, such as the Chicago Cubs, and the St. Louis Cardinals, where his experience could bolster a developing rotation.[58][59] As of November 18, 2025, he remains unsigned, with no arbitration eligibility due to his six years of major league service time.[60] Buehler's career highlights include two All-Star selections (2019 and 2021) and two World Series championships with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2020 and 2024), where he notably earned a save in the clinching game of the latter. However, concerns persist regarding his diminished fastball velocity—averaging around 93 mph in late 2025 outings—and command issues, evidenced by a 10.8% walk rate that season, which have tempered expectations for a return to his pre-injury form.[61][62]

Personal life

Family and marriage

Walker Buehler married his longtime partner, McKenzie Marcinek, on December 18, 2021, in Lexington, Kentucky. The couple first met in kindergarten in their hometown but began dating in middle school during a class trip, eventually attending the same high school where their relationship deepened. McKenzie, who graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2016, has been a constant presence in Buehler's life throughout his professional career.[10][63][64] The Buehlers welcomed their first child, daughter Finley Wren Buehler, on January 31, 2024. The name Finley honors family heritage, reflecting ties to their Kentucky roots, while the family had relocated to California earlier during Buehler's tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers to support his baseball commitments. McKenzie has played a key supportive role in Buehler's personal and professional challenges, including his recovery from a second Tommy John surgery in 2022, which extended through 2023; she has shared glimpses of their family life on social media, emphasizing resilience during rehabilitation periods. The couple frequently appears together at Dodgers events, such as charity functions and postseason celebrations, showcasing their partnership.[1][65][66] Buehler was raised in Lexington by his mother in a close-knit family despite his parents' divorce, with three younger siblings: brothers Brady and Delaney, and sister Bella. His father, Tony Buehler, works in the banking industry, while his mother, Karen Walker, is a prominent trial lawyer and mediator in Kentucky. The family maintains strong bonds through regular gatherings in Kentucky, where Buehler often returns for holidays and to reconnect with his upbringing, which instilled values of perseverance and community support that continue to influence his life.[10][9][12]

Other interests

Buehler co-owns the Thoroughbred racehorse March of Time, a 4-year-old colt sired by Justify, alongside Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman and trainer Bob Baffert's wife, Jill Baffert, with the partnership beginning in late 2024.[67] The Buehler and Bregman families share this ownership, fostering a bond between the players beyond baseball.[68] Under Baffert's training, March of Time secured its maiden victory at Santa Anita Park on December 27, 2024, defeating four rivals by 2¼ lengths in a six-furlong allowance race.[69] Earlier in his career, Buehler held a microshare ownership in Authentic, the 2020 Kentucky Derby winner also trained by Baffert.[70] Through the Buehler Family Foundation, established to support first responders and local heroes, Buehler focuses his philanthropic efforts on enhancing wellness resources, including physical, mental, and emotional health programs.[71] The foundation partners with organizations like the Catching Hope Foundation and has collaborated with the Los Angeles Dodgers on initiatives, such as auctioning memorabilia from the 2024 World Series to aid fire relief efforts in Los Angeles.[72] Buehler personally hosts annual charity golf outings in his hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, to fund these causes; the fifth event in November 2024 at Keene Trace Golf Club raised proceeds for first-responder support programs.[73] Buehler maintains endorsement partnerships with major brands, including Nike, which has featured him in apparel and equipment campaigns since his early Dodgers tenure.[74] His off-field business activities also extend to community ties in Lexington, where he and his family reside during offseasons, supporting local initiatives aligned with his foundation's mission.[10] An avid golfer, Buehler participates in celebrity tournaments and leverages the sport for philanthropy, organizing events that draw MLB stars like Corey Seager to benefit his foundation.[75] Following his second Tommy John surgery in 2022 and subsequent recovery, Buehler has openly discussed the physical and mental toll of pitcher injuries, highlighting breakthroughs in rehabilitation techniques that aided his return to the mound in 2024.[76]

References

  1. Walker Buehler Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
  2. Walker Buehler Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More
  3. Walker Buehler - BR Bullpen - Baseball-Reference.com
  4. Walker Buehler closes out Dodgers' World Series victory 2024
  5. Walker Buehler has second Tommy John surgery - MLB.com
  6. Red Sox Release Walker Buehler - MLB Trade Rumors
  7. Walker Buehler 2025 pitching Stats Per Game - MLB - ESPN
  8. Phillies sign Red Sox castoff Walker Buehler to join rotation - ESPN
  9. Who are Walker Buehler's Parents? Nationality and more
  10. Hometown Series: Walker Buehler | MLB.com
  11. Walker Buehler – Vanderbilt University Athletics
  12. Moneyball, Lawyers and the Vanderbilt Baseball Mama - HuffPost
  13. Hometown Series: Walker Buehler - Dodger Insider
  14. Lexington's Walker Buehler realizing full potential in L.A.
  15. Walker Buehler - Lexington - Eastern Little League
  16. Henry Clay senior Walker Buehler a standout on the mound and in ...
  17. Walker Buehler Class of 2012 - Player Profile | Perfect Game USA
  18. Walker Buehler College, Amateur & Minor Leagues Statistics
  19. Cross: Vandy's Buehler answers the call - NCAA.com
  20. Draft Profile: Walker Buehler - MLB.com
  21. 2015 MLB draft: Dodgers take Vanderbilt's Walker Buehler in Round 1
  22. Vanderbilt's Walker Buehler not pulled from CWS for injury
  23. Vandy to championship series - Southeastern Conference
  24. Buehler Named Texas League POW | MiLB.com
  25. Dodgers' Walker Buehler solid in debut - MLB.com
  26. Walker Buehler makes history in Game 3 - MLB.com
  27. Walker Buehler throws 5 scoreless innings in World Series Game 3
  28. 2021 MLB Cy Young Award voting results
  29. Dodgers' Walker Buehler undergoes second Tommy John surgery
  30. Walker Buehler shut down for remainder of 2023 - MLB.com
  31. Walker Buehler Stats: Statcast, Visuals & Advanced Metrics
  32. Dodgers' Walker Buehler back on IL with right hip inflammation - ESPN
  33. Dodgers, Buehler avoid arbitration with $8M deal - ESPN
  34. Walker Buehler | MLB Contracts & Salaries - Spotrac.com
  35. Sources: Walker Buehler, Red Sox agree to 1-year, $21M deal - ESPN
  36. Walker Buehler contract can't save him from Boston Red Sox release
  37. Walker Buehler impresses in spring training debut with Red Sox
  38. Red Sox's Walker Buehler: Makes second spring start - CBS Sports
  39. Walker Buehler Fantasy Stats | FantasyData
  40. Will Walker Buehler be better out of the bullpen? - Over the Monster
  41. Red Sox Nation Stats on X: "In 2025 #RedSox Walker Buehler has ...
  42. Walker Buehler's strong start carries Red Sox past White Sox 4-2
  43. Red Sox takeaways: Walker Buehler pitching well, offense still ...
  44. Buehler's 9 K's help Red Sox take series on special day in Boston
  45. Red Sox release Buehler, call up top pitching prospect Tolle - ESPN
  46. 2025 Boston Red Sox Statistics | Baseball-Reference.com
  47. Craig Breslow explains why Red Sox released Walker Buehler
  48. Walker Buehler On His Outing, Pitching Frustrations - YouTube
  49. Phillies Sign Walker Buehler To Minors Contract - MLB Trade Rumors
  50. Walker Buehler Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News
  51. Phillies call up Walker Buehler to start vs. Royals, place ... - CBS News
  52. Walker Buehler, Philadelphia Phillies, SP - News, Stats, Bio
  53. https://onpattison.com/news/2025/nov/02/9-phillies-officially-become-free-agents/
  54. Transactions | Philadelphia Phillies - MLB.com
  55. https://www.nbcsports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mlb-free-agent-rankings-2025-26-kyle-tucker-dylan-cease-bo-bichette-alex-bregman-headline-top-100-list
  56. Stay or Go: Should Phillies Bring Back Walker Buehler?
  57. Latest rumors hint Dodgers' Walker Buehler could leap to NL Central
  58. Walker Buehler - Stats - Pitching | FanGraphs Baseball
  59. Walker Buehler's Phillies debut didn't exactly inspire confidence
  60. Dodgers Video: Walker Buehler Shares Inside Look Of Wedding
  61. Meet Walker Buehler's wife McKenzie: Mother to baseball pitcher's ...
  62. Dodgers Pitcher Walker Buehler and Wife McKenzie's Relationship ...
  63. Why Walker Buehler Had Left Wrist Wrapped After Tommy John ...
  64. Santa Anita Stable Notes Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024
  65. Bregman, Buehler: Red Sox Teammates and Horse Owners
  66. Baseball players Bregman and Buehler team on ownership of horse ...
  67. Walker Buehler part-owner of 2020 Kentucky Derby winner Authentic
  68. Buehler Family Foundation
  69. Final pitch ball of 2024 Fall Classic to be auctioned off to support fire ...
  70. Two-time World Series champion Walker Buehler raises money for ...
  71. What is Walker Buehler Net Worth as of 2023? - Sportskeeda
  72. Golfing With Walker Buehler, Corey Seager and Other MLB Stars
  73. Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler shares how he found a breakthrough
User Avatar
No comments yet.