Dodgers News: Walker Buehler Has Interesting Award Idea That Would Honor LA Legend

Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler has been one of the best in the league over the last few seasons. He has established himself as one of the most clutch performers in baseball, and the team can rely on him whenever he takes the mound.

Currently, he is rehabbing to get back from another Tommy John Surgery, but he could be back some time over the next few weeks if all goes well. As he has been out, he has taken a more vocal approach to the game in the form of podcast appearances and social media.

Recently he joined The Just Baseball Show and gave his idea for a new award that should be given out.

“Let’s have a Fernando Valenzuela Award, the best rookie pitcher ever.”

Per

The Just Baseball Show

Buehler makes a solid point in his argument here because it would be cool to grant the best rookie pitcher with an award for their achievements.

“Not to be like, ‘Oh, I should get all this stuff,’ but I was third in the Rookie of the Year to Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto. Pretty generational, but also, neither of them pitch, so who am I competing against?”

Per

The Just Baseball Show

Buehler was special as a rookie, helping lead the Dodgers to a World Series appearance in 2018. So he does make a point in saying that the Rookie of the Year award should be split into two categories. It would be similar to how the NFL does it, with one rookie from each side of the ball.

His manager Dave Roberts seems to be on board with the idea as well.

“I think that’s actually really smart. You look at the MVP, you look at the Cy Young for the pitcher, and very few pitchers win the MVP,” Roberts said. “Having a Rookie of the Year and a Fernando Valenzuela Rookie of the Year pitcher, I think it’s brilliant.”

Per SNLA

Maybe baseball will listen to Buehler and create the award. Different awards are always being created, so if this were to happen, all credit goes to Buehler.

“Starting pitchers get paid a lot of money. So what you’re saying is like, Oh, you aren’t as valuable as rookies but we’re still making the same money in the end. I just don’t buy that. For me, it should be a consideration.”

Per

The Just Baseball Show

It would also be a cool way to honor Fernando Valenzuela. He is still the only rookie to win the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year Award in the same season. Let’s make it happen MLB!