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, currently a free agent. He is known for his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball (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 he chose not to sign and instead played college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores.

2013: Freshman Season at Vanderbilt

In 2013, as a freshman, Walker Buehler made 9 starts and appeared in 16 games, achieving a 4-3 record with a 3.14 ERA and 57 strikeouts for the Vanderbilt Commodores.

June 16, 2014: No-Hit Relief Performance

On June 16, 2014, Walker Buehler pitched 5+1⁄3 innings of no-hit relief in Vanderbilt's win over University of California Irvine. He retired the first nine batters he faced and struck out seven.

2014: Cape Cod Baseball League Champion and MVP

After the 2014 season, Walker Buehler played for the Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL). He had a 0.63 ERA with 24 strikeouts over 28+2⁄3 innings pitched. 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, leading the Red Sox to the league championship.

2014: College World Series Champion

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

July 17, 2015: Signed with the Dodgers

On July 17, 2015, Walker Buehler signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as the 24th overall selection of the Major League Baseball draft, receiving a $1.78 million bonus.

2015: Drafted by the Dodgers

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

2015: Junior Season at Vanderbilt

In 2015, as a junior, Walker Buehler posted a 2.95 ERA in 88+1⁄3 innings for the Commodores, striking out 92 and walking 30.

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 Debut with the Dodgers

On September 6, 2017, Walker Buehler was added to the major league roster for the first time and made his MLB debut that night with two scoreless innings of relief against the Colorado Rockies. His first MLB strikeout was against Charlie Blackmon of the Rockies.

2017: MLB Debut

In 2017, Walker Buehler made his debut in Major League Baseball (MLB).

2017: Minor League Pitcher of the Year

Walker Buehler began the 2017 season with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and was later promoted to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers and Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers. At the end of the 2017 season, he was selected as the Dodgers minor league pitcher of the year.

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.

2019: Consecutive Starts Without a Loss

By June 20, 2021, Walker Buehler had tied the Dodgers franchise record of 23 consecutive starts without a loss, going back to the 2019 season.

2019: All-Star Selection and Complete Games

In 2019, Walker Buehler hit his first career home run, threw his first complete game, was selected to the MLB All-Star Game, and pitched another complete game. He became the third pitcher in MLB history with multiple games with 15 strikeouts and no walks in the same season.

2019: Finished Season with League-Leading Win Percentage

Walker Buehler finished the 2019 regular season with a record of 14-4 and a 3.26 ERA, leading the league with a .778 win-loss percentage and two complete games. He also finished ninth in Cy Young Award voting.

2020: Won World Series

During the 2020 pandemic-shortened season, Walker Buehler helped the Dodgers win the World Series, pitching in crucial playoff games.

2020: World Series Champion

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

2021: Regular Season Performance and Postseason Starts

During the 2021 regular season, Walker Buehler had a 16-4 record with a 2.47 ERA and 212 strikeouts. He started several postseason games, including pitching on short rest for the first time in his career.

2021: Last Postseason Start

Walker Buehler made his first postseason start since 2021 in Game 3 of the NLDS, allowing six runs on seven hits in five innings.

August 2022: Season-Ending Surgery

In August 2022, Walker Buehler underwent season-ending surgery on his right arm, including Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon repair, which was expected to sideline him until the 2024 season.

2022: First Career Shutout

In 2022, Walker Buehler made his first Opening Day start and pitched his first career shutout against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 25, striking out 10 batters. However, he later underwent arthroscopic surgery and season-ending surgery on his right arm.

2023: Dodgers Signed Buehler to Contract

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

December 28, 2024: Signed with Boston Red Sox

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

2024: Potential Return

After not returning in 2023 due to surgery, Walker Buehler hoped to be back for the start of the 2024 season.

2024: World Series Champion

In 2024, Walker Buehler helped the Dodgers win the World Series, securing the series-clinching save.

2024: Signed Contract and Activated from Injured List

In 2024, Walker Buehler signed a one-year contract and was activated from the injured list on May 6, making his first start in almost two years.

March 29, 2025: Red Sox Debut

On March 29, 2025, Buehler made his Red Sox debut against the Texas Rangers, pitching 4+1⁄3 innings and allowing four runs on seven hits, resulting in a loss.