Career Timeline of Buck Farmer: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Buck Farmer made an impact.

George Runie "Buck" Farmer is an American professional baseball pitcher. A free agent, Farmer has played in MLB for the Detroit Tigers and the Cincinnati Reds. His career has primarily focused on pitching in Major League Baseball.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2008: High School Record and MVP Awards

In 2008, Buck Farmer set a Rockdale County High School single-game strikeout record with 22 against Dacula High School. He was also named MVP of the 2008 Connie Mack World Series and the 2008 World Wood Bat Championships.

2009: Drafted by the Atlanta Braves

In 2009, Buck Farmer was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 46th round of the Major League Baseball Draft, but he chose not to sign, opting instead to play college baseball at Georgia Tech.

2010: College Career at Georgia Tech Begins

In 2010, Buck Farmer began his college baseball career at Georgia Tech. During his freshman season, he achieved a 5–1 record and a 3.63 ERA in 19 appearances. He secured his first career win on March 14 against Wake Forest.

2011: Sophomore Season at Georgia Tech

During his sophomore season in 2011, Buck Farmer achieved an 11–3 record and a 2.82 ERA in 16 starts at Georgia Tech. He went 8–1 in conference play. After the season, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2012: Junior Season and Draft

In 2012, during his junior season, Farmer pitched 106 2/3 innings, posting a 3.54 ERA and 115 strikeouts. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 15th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft but returned to Georgia Tech for his senior season.

2013: Drafted by Detroit Tigers

In 2013, Buck Farmer was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the fifth round, with the 156th overall selection, of the Major League Baseball draft and signed with the team.

August 13, 2014: Major League Debut

On August 13, 2014, Buck Farmer made his major league debut for the Detroit Tigers against the Pittsburgh Pirates, pitching five innings and allowing four runs. He received a no-decision and was later optioned to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.

August 23, 2014: Second Major League Start

On August 23, 2014, Buck Farmer made his second major league start in a game against the Minnesota Twins, allowing seven runs in 1 1/3 innings, resulting in a 12-4 loss for the Detroit Tigers.

2014: Minor League Season and Award

In 2014, Buck Farmer played for the Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps and Double-A Erie SeaWolves, achieving an 11-5 record with a 2.65 ERA. He was later honored as the Midwest League Pitcher of the Year.

June 24, 2015: Recalled by the Tigers

On June 24, 2015, Buck Farmer was recalled by the Detroit Tigers. Before his recall, he had a 3.56 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings with the Toledo Mud Hens.

2015: Added Two-Seam Fastball

In 2015, Buck Farmer added a two-seam fastball to his repertoire to generate more groundballs.

April 16, 2016: Optioned to Toledo Mud Hens

On April 16, 2016, Buck Farmer was optioned to the Toledo Mud Hens by the Detroit Tigers.

September 21, 2016: First Start of the Year

On September 21, 2016, Buck Farmer made his first major league start of the year for the Detroit Tigers against the Minnesota Twins, but the game was suspended due to rain.

2017: Call-up and First Major League Win

In 2017, Buck Farmer began the season with the Toledo Mud Hens. On May 26, he was called up to Detroit. On May 27, 2017, Farmer started against the Chicago White Sox, recording 11 strikeouts and earning his first major league win.

2018: Bullpen Role with Tigers

In 2018, Buck Farmer primarily pitched out of the Detroit Tigers bullpen, making 66 appearances and recording a 3-4 record with a 4.15 ERA.

2019: Bullpen Role and Career Bests

In 2019, Buck Farmer continued in a bullpen role for the Detroit Tigers, achieving career bests in ERA (3.72) and WHIP (1.271). He went 6-6 with 73 strikeouts.

January 10, 2020: Contract Agreement with Tigers

On January 10, 2020, Buck Farmer and the Detroit Tigers avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.15 million contract. During the 2020 season, he had a 3.80 ERA.