Dodgers: All-time mock draft of first round picks

Dodgers all-time mock draft: Walker Buehler

Drafted with the 24th overall pick in the 2015 draft, from a value standpoint, you could argue Walker Buehler is the best first round selection in Dodgers history. Just four years after his draft year, he is already pushing veteran Clayton Kershaw for status as the team’s best starter.

Buehler went 14-4 in 2019, the best winning percentage of any starter in the National League. He pitched to a 3.26 ERA with impressive 10.6 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 rates.

However, most impressive was his performance in the postseason. While the Dodgers suffered a disappointing loss to the Washington Nationals in the NLDS, Buehler did everything he could to lead his team past the eventual World Series champions. In two starts, he allowed only on earned run, striking out 15 Nationals hitters and surrendering only five hits in 12.2 innings of work.

As fans have used the postseason to criticize the greatness of Clayton Kershaw, Buehler is setting his own reputation as a big-game pitcher. If this was a mock draft based on each player’s current age, Buehler would be the first overall pick. However, he still falls a little short in mocking the best first round picks regardless of age.