Billy Buckner

40-Year-Old PitcherP

Free Agent

2024 Stats

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ERA

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WHIP

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2024 Fantasy Outlook

There was no outlook written for Billy Buckner in 2024. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.

Bats R

Throws R

40 Man No

Height 6'2"

Weight 215

DOB 8/27/1983

Drafted 2nd Rd 2004

PMilwaukee Brewers

August 16, 2014

Buckner has signed a minor league deal with the Brewers.

ANALYSIS
Buckner will report to Triple-A Nashville and assume the roster spot vacated by Kyle Heckathorn's (undisclosed) placement on the disabled list.

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Past Fantasy Outlooks

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

Buckner opened the 2009 season in the rotation at Triple-A Reno and the results were encouraging enough for him to get a look from the D-Backs when injuries depleted their starting depth. He fell prey to a slightly bloated .347 BABIP and very unfortunate 61.3 percent strand rate, ultimately turning his 16 appearances into something that looks much worse on paper than in actuality. If he's going to stick in the back of the D-Backs' rotation, Buckner needs to cut back on the home runs (1.40 HR/9IP) and continue to improve his command (3.38 BB/9IP). Eventually, a permanent conversion to the bullpen will be in order if he's unable to secure a rotation spot, but Buckner has the tools to be a useful No. 4 or No. 5 starter if the D-Backs elect to fill out the back of their rotation with internal candidates.

Like many pitchers in the Pacific Coast League, Buckner was knocked around during his first season after joining Triple-A Tucson following an offseason trade to Arizona from Kansas City. Still, hitter-friendly parks don't completely explain the regression of his strikeout rate, which slid from 7.14 K/9IP with Omaha in 2007 to 5.34 K/9IP with the Sidewinders last season. The D-Backs will probably use him as a bullpen option in the near future if he's able to break camp with the big league club. He could pencil into the long relief role if Yusmeiro Petit locks down a regular place in the Arizona rotation during spring training.

His low-90's sinker and nice curveball earned him a late-August callup in 2007, where he pitched 34 innings for the Royals. He struggled a bit as a starter, allowing six earned runs in two of his five starts, but allowed just one earned run in 3.2 innings of relief. His control issues did not show up once he was called up, with no hit-by-pitches or wild pitches to his credit at the major league level. After being traded to Arizona, he'll be in competition for the back end of the rotation, but may end up either in long relief or the Triple-A rotation.

Buckner has yet to allow fewer hits than innings pitched in four stops and three seasons in the minors since the Royals selected him in the second round of the 2004 draft. The 24-year-old also has control issues, walking 86 batters and throwing 16 wild pitches in 165 innings in 2006. Buckner will have to control his average fastball to continue his climb up the minor league ladder.

Buckner made a comfortable move to Single-A Burlington in 2005, then was advanced to the tougher California League and had some troubles. He maintained his K/IP but his control faltered. With an average fastball, he needs good control with his curve and change-up to keep the upper-level hitters on their heels.

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