Height
6'2"
Weight
185 lbs
Age
31
College
Vanderbilt
Draft
2015, Rd 1, #24
Experience
8 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsB
| Year | Team | GP | ERA | W-L | K | WHIP | IP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 157 | 3.52 | 57-29 | 846 | 1.15 | 839.2 | 0 |
| 2025 |  | 23 | 5.45 | 7-7 | 84 | 1.56 | 112.1 | 0 |
| 2025 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$1.5M
Guaranteed
$900K
AAV
$1.5M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Walker Buehler's one-year, $1.5M deal with the Padres earns an A- CVI — a shrewd low-risk acquisition that could pay massive dividends if the former ace regains his form. The 31-year-old veteran posted solid numbers this season with 7 wins and 84 strikeouts across 23 games, showing he can still contribute at the big league level despite the injury concerns that have defined his recent narrative. At $1.5M AAV, the Padres are paying bargain-basement money for a pitcher who earned All-MLB First Team honors as recently as 2021, creating exceptional upside potential if his recovery continues progressing. The modest salary reflects his diminished market value coming off injury recovery, but also eliminates any real financial risk for San Diego while keeping pressure manageable on Buehler himself. This represents classic buy-low strategy on a starter with proven elite upside — if he's truly healthy, this becomes one of the year's biggest steals, and if not, the Padres are out minimal money on a one-year commitment.
Fan & Media Sentiment
Walker Buehler, a starting pitcher for the Padres, carries mixed-to-positive public sentiment based on their elite production. His A performance grade positions him among the elite at the starting pitcher position. His award history contributes positively to how fans and media perceive his career value. On a contract worth $1.5M/year, the modest salary keeps pressure manageable while any breakout would be a bonus. Fan sentiment leans positive overall, though some segments remain watchful for more sustained production before fully buying in. At 31, he is in the veteran phase of his career where sustained health and consistency will determine how fans and analysts judge his remaining value.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, 4/11 | vs COL | W 5-2 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
| Sun, 4/5 | @ BOS | W 8-6 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
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