Dodgers: Five most untouchable players in trade talks
1) Walker Buehler
Walker Buehler is prepping himself to eventually take the reins from Clayton Kershaw as the Dodgers next Ace. The 25-year-old had a breakout season in 2019, earning his first All-Star appearance, while pitching to a 14-4 record and finishing in the top ten in several statistical categories, including strikeouts (10th), fewest walks + hits allowed per innings pitched (6th), strikeout-to-walk ratio (3rd), and ERA (9th).
Buehler was perhaps most impressive in the postseason, when he was dominant in two starts against the Nationals in the 2019 NDLS. In 12.2 innings of work, he allowed only one run on five hits, striking out 15 batters and walking only six.
If the right-hander continues his progression, he will find his name listed among the top pitchers in baseball for years to come.
What makes Buehler even more valuable is his contract. He made $570,000 for his work last season. He is still in his pre-arbitration years, meaning he won’t be eligible to become a free agent until 2025. Even as his salary becomes more expensive through the arbitration process, he will continue to provide surplus value to the Dodgers.
While Cody Bellinger has reached higher peaks already in his career, finding starting pitching is more challenging than outfield power, and with Buehler tucked away from the evils of free agency for five more years, he is the most untouchable player on the Dodgers current roster.