Career Timeline of Walker Buehler: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Walker Buehler, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Walker Buehler is an American professional baseball pitcher. He currently plays for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball (MLB). Prior to joining the Red Sox, Buehler played for the Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates

In 2012, Walker Buehler was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 14th round of the Major League Baseball Draft but chose not to sign, opting instead to play college baseball.

2013: Freshman Season

In 2013, Walker Buehler's freshman year of college baseball, he made 9 starts and appeared in 16 games, achieving a 4–3 record with a 3.14 ERA and 57 strikeouts.

June 16, 2014: No-Hit Relief Pitching

On June 16, 2014, Walker Buehler pitched 5+1⁄3 innings of no-hit relief for Vanderbilt, retiring the first nine batters and striking out seven in a win over University of California Irvine.

2014: Cape Cod Baseball League Championship and MVP Honors

After the 2014 season, Walker Buehler played for the Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL). In the 2014 CCBL playoffs, he led the Red Sox to the league championship and was a co-winner of MVP honors. He posted a 0.63 earned run average with 24 strikeouts over 28+2⁄3 innings pitched for the Red Sox and did not allow a run in 15+1⁄3 innings.

2014: College World Series Championship

In 2014, Walker Buehler was a member of the Vanderbilt Commodores, who won the College World Series championship.

July 17, 2015: Signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers

On July 17, 2015, Walker Buehler signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers for a $1.78 million bonus after being drafted.

2015: MLB Draft

In 2015, Walker Buehler was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the MLB draft as the 24th overall pick.

August 23, 2016: Professional Baseball Debut

On August 23, 2016, Walker Buehler made his professional baseball debut for the Arizona League Dodgers, striking out three and retiring all six batters he faced.

September 6, 2017: MLB Roster Addition and Debut

On September 6, 2017, Walker Buehler was added to the Los Angeles Dodgers major league roster and made his debut, pitching two scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies. His first MLB strikeout was against Charlie Blackmon.

2017: MLB Debut

In 2017, Walker Buehler made his debut in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

April 23, 2018: First Major League Start

On April 23, 2018, Walker Buehler made his first major league start against the Miami Marlins, pitching five scoreless innings.

2018: 2018 Season Summary

In 2018, Walker Buehler finished third in voting for the National League Rookie of the Year, behind Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto. In 24 appearances for the Dodgers, Buehler was 8–5 with a 2.62 ERA and 151 strikeouts. He started one game in the 2018 NLDS and two games in the 2018 NLCS, and he threw seven scoreless innings in Game 3 of the 2018 World Series against the Boston Red Sox.

2019: All-Star Selection and Complete Games

In 2019, Walker Buehler was selected to the MLB All-Star Game. 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. On August 3, Buehler pitched another complete game, against the San Diego Padres. He struck out 15 Padre hitters and walked none.

2019: 2019 Season Summary

Walker Buehler finished the 2019 regular season with a record of 14–4, and a 3.26 ERA in 30 starts, with two complete games and 215 strikeouts. His .778 win–loss percentage was the best in the league, and he also led the league in complete games with two. He finished ninth in the Cy Young Award voting. He was named the Dodgers' game one starter for the NLDS.

2020: World Series Win

In 2020, Walker Buehler helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series.

2021: 2021 Season Summary

In the 2021 regular season, Walker Buehler was 16–4 with a 2.47 ERA and 212 strikeouts. He started the first game of the 2021 NLDS against the San Francisco Giants, allowing three runs in 6+1⁄3 innings to take the loss. He then started Game 4 on short rest, the first time he had done that in his career. 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. He again pitched on short rest in game 6 after Max Scherzer was unable to go, he allowed seven hits and four runs in four innings while striking out six as the Dodgers were eliminated from the playoffs.

2023: Contract Agreement Despite Injury

Despite his injury, the Dodgers signed Walker Buehler to an $8.025 million contract for the 2023 season to avoid salary arbitration.

2023: Contract Agreement

Walker Buehler signed a one-year, $8.025 million contract for 2024 in his final year of arbitration, matching his salary from the previous season, after missing all of the 2023 season.