Buck Farmer

Farmer attended Rockdale County High School where he was a four-year letter winner and three-year captain. During his junior year, he posted a 1.50 earned run average (ERA), with a .443 batting average, while he posted a 2.02 ERA, with a .468 batting average during his senior year. Farmer holds the Rockdale single-game strikeout record with 22 against Dacula High School in 2008. He was named the most valuable player (MVP) of the 2008 Connie Mack World Series, and MVP of the 2008 World Wood Bat Championships. Farmer was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 46th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft, but did not sign and elected to play college baseball at the Georgia Institute of Technology for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.{{Cite web |title=#30 Buck Farmer |url=https://ramblinwreck.com/roster/buck-farmer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331165659/http://www.ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/farmer_buck00.html |archive-date=2018-03-31 |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=Georgia Tech}}

Farmer began his collegiate career at Georgia Tech in 2010. During his freshman season, he posted a 5–1 record, and a 3.63 ERA in 19 appearances. He recorded his first career win on March 14, in four innings of relief against Wake Forest, holding the Deacons to no runs on just two hits. During his sophomore season, Farmer posted an 11–3 record, and a 2.82 ERA in 16 starts. He went 8–1 in conference play. The eight conference wins were the most by any pitcher in the league in 2011. After the 2011 season, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|author= |url=http://pointstreak.com/baseball/player.html?playerid=142656 |title=#30 Buck Farmer - Profile |publisher=pointstreak.com |date= |access-date=January 9, 2020}}

During his junior season, Farmer pitched a team-high 106{{frac|2|3}} innings, third in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). He posted a 3.54 ERA, and allowed just 100 hits with 37 walks and 115 strikeouts, third-most in the ACC. He was the ACC's only pitcher to pitch a complete-game shutout with his 1–0 win over Duke, earning him the ACC Pitcher of the Week and College Sports Madness National Pitcher of the Week.{{cite web |date=April 2, 2012 |title=Buck Farmer Named ACC Pitcher Of The Week |url=https://ramblinwreck.com/buck-farmer-named-acc-pitcher-of-the-week/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=Georgia Tech}} After the season, he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 15th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft, but chose to return to Georgia Tech for his senior season.{{cite web| url = http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/news/2012/jun/05/farmer-drafted-brewers/ | title = Farmer drafted by Brewers; Bazzani picked by Orioles | publisher = The Rockdale Citizen | first = Kurt | last = Aschermann Jr. | date = June 7, 2012 | access-date = August 12, 2014 }} During his senior season, Farmer posted 9–5 record in 17 starts, and a 2.78 ERA in 113{{frac|1|3}} innings with 122 strikeouts. He ranked second in the ACC in strikeouts, and finished with a career best in ERA, innings pitched, and strikeouts.{{cite web| url = http://www.ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/060713aab.html | title = Georgia Tech Has Four Drafted In First Five Rounds | publisher = Georgia Tech | date = June 7, 2013 | access-date = August 12, 2014 }} He was a semifinalist for the ACC Pitcher of the Year.{{cite web| url = http://www.ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/051613aac.html | title = Farmer, Evans, Palka Named Semifinalists For National Awards | publisher = Georgia Tech | date = May 16, 2013 | access-date = August 12, 2014 }}

Farmer was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the fifth round, with the 156th overall selection, of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft and signed.{{cite web| url = http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130607&content_id=49928560¬ebook_id=48754158&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det | title = Farmer's smart moves benefit Tigers' Draft | publisher = MLB | first = Bobby | last = Nightengale | date = June 7, 2013 | access-date = August 12, 2014 }}{{cite web| url = http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/news/2013/jun/14/farmer-signs-tigers/ | title = Farmer signs with Tigers | publisher = The Rockdale Citizen | first = Kurt | last = Aschermann Jr. | date = June 15, 2013 | access-date = August 12, 2014 }}

Farmer began the 2014 season with the Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps, where he made 18 starts, before being promoted to the Double-A Erie SeaWolves, where he started two games. Between Single-A and Double-A, Farmer was 11–5, with a 2.65 ERA, allowing 101 hits over 115{{frac|2|3}} innings with 127 strikeouts and 28 walks.{{cite web| url = http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140811&content_id=89104668¬ebook_id=89202962&vkey=notebook_det&c_id=det | title = Farmer set to make spot start Wednesday | publisher = MLB | first = Jason | last = Beck | date = August 12, 2014 | access-date = August 12, 2014 }} After the season, Farmer was honored as Midwest League Pitcher of the Year.{{cite book |title=2015 Detroit Tigers Media Guide |page=100}}

Farmer made his major league debut on August 13, 2014, in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.{{cite web| url = http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2014/08/right-hander_buck_farmer_to_ma.html | title = Right-hander Buck Farmer to make major-league debut Wednesday night for Detroit Tigers | publisher = MLive | first = Chris | last = Iott | date = August 11, 2014 | access-date = August 12, 2014 }} In his debut, he pitched five innings, allowing four runs on six hits, while striking out four, and earning a no-decision.{{cite web| url = http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_08_13_pitmlb_detmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=det | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140814080344/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_08_13_pitmlb_detmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=det | url-status = dead | archive-date = August 14, 2014 | title = Tigers' resurgent bats pick up Farmer in debut | publisher = MLB | first = Jason | last = Beck | date = August 13, 2014 | access-date = August 13, 2014 }} He was optioned to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens following his debut.{{cite web| url = http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2014/08/buck_farmer_optioned_to_triple.html | title = Buck Farmer sent to Toledo after major league debut; Detroit Tigers promote rookie Melvin Mercedes | last = Schmehl | first = James | publisher = MLive | date = August 14, 2014 | access-date= August 14, 2014}} The Tigers called up Farmer again on August 23, 2014, to start the first game of a doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2014/08/detroit_tigers_promote_kyle_lo.html |title=Detroit Tigers call up Kyle Lobstein, Patrick McCoy from Toledo; Robbie Ray, Ian Krol sent down | publisher = MLive | first = Chris | last = Iott | date = August 23, 2014 |access-date = August 23, 2014}} In his second major league start, Farmer pitched 1{{frac|1|3}} innings, allowing seven runs on five hits, while walking two, and striking out three in a 12–4 loss.{{cite web| url = http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_08_23_detmlb_minmlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=det | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224308/http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_08_23_detmlb_minmlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=det | url-status = dead | archive-date = March 3, 2016 | title = Farmer roughed up as Tigers drop matinee | work = MLB.com | first = Jason | last = Beck | date = August 23, 2014 | access-date = August 23, 2014 }}

In 2015, Farmer made a spot start for the Tigers on May 28, against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, when he allowed seven runs on nine hits in five innings. He was recalled by the Tigers on June 24, 2015. In 12 starts with the Mud Hens, Farmer posted a 3.56 ERA with 59 strikeouts and 22 walks in 68{{frac|1|3}} innings.{{cite news| url = http://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/06/23/detroit-tigers-buck-farmer/29188537/ | title = Tigers recall Buck Farmer from Toledo, send down Ian Krol | newspaper = Detroit Free Press | first = Anthony | last = Fenech | date = June 24, 2015 | access-date = June 24, 2015 }}

In 2016, Farmer made the Tigers opening day roster. On April 16, 2016, Farmer was optioned to the Toledo Mud Hens.{{cite web| url = http://m.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/172627442/tigers-option-buck-farmer-to-triple-a | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160419035009/http://m.tigers.mlb.com/news/article/172627442/tigers-option-buck-farmer-to-triple-a | url-status = dead | archive-date = April 19, 2016 | title = With Wilson returning, Tigers option Farmer | work = MLB.com | first = Chris | last = Abshire | date = April 16, 2016 | access-date = April 16, 2016 }} Farmer was recalled to the Tigers on May 22, after Drew VerHagen was optioned to Toledo that same day.{{cite web |url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2016/05/tigers_send_pitcher_drew_verha.html |title=Tigers option pitcher Drew VerHagen to Triple A Toledo, recall Buck Farmer |publisher=mlive.com |first=Brendan |last=Savage |date=May 22, 2016 |access-date=May 23, 2016}} On September 21, 2016, Farmer made his first major league start of the year against the Minnesota Twins, however the game was suspended as a result of rain.{{Cite web |last=Fenech |first=Anthony |date=September 21, 2016 |title=Wednesday's Tigers-Twins game postponed; doubleheader Thursday |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2016/09/21/detroit-tigers-minnesota-twins-postponed/90819208/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}} In addition to the one start, Farmer made 13 relief appearances for the Tigers in 2016, posting a 4.60 ERA and 27 strikeouts in {{frac|29|1|3}} innings pitched.

In 2017, Farmer began the season with the Toledo Mud Hens. On May 26, Farmer received his second call-up of the year to Detroit. On May 27, Farmer started against the Chicago White Sox and recorded 11 strikeouts and zero earned runs giving him his first major league win. Farmer made 11 starts for the 2017 Tigers, going 5–5 with a 6.75 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 48 innings.

With the exception of one spot start, Farmer pitched the entire 2018 season out of the Tigers bullpen. He made 66 appearances, posting a 3–4 record with a 4.15 ERA, while striking out 57 batters in {{frac|69|1|3}} innings.

Farmer again filled a bullpen role in 2019, with the exception of one spot start. He went 6–6 on the season with 73 strikeouts in {{frac|67|2|3}} innings, while posting career bests in ERA (3.72) and WHIP (1.271).

On January 10, 2020, the Tigers avoided arbitration with Farmer, agreeing on a one-year, $1.15 million contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/tigers/news/tigers-2020-arbitration-roundup|title= Tigers agree with Boyd, all arb-eligibles (source) |website=MLB.com |first=Jason |last=Beck |date=January 10, 2020 |access-date=January 12, 2020}} In the 2020 season (23 games), Farmer had a 3.80 ERA with 14 strikeouts in {{frac|21|1|3}} innings.

On January 15, 2021, the Tigers and Farmer agreed to a one-year, $1.85 million contract, avoiding arbitration.{{Cite web |date=2021-01-16 |title=Tigers avoid arbitration with all 8 remaining players |url=https://apnews.com/8233b61753686a9bcac3966ce7ce1da6 |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=AP News |language=en-US}} After pitching to a 12.66 ERA in 12 games to begin the season, Farmer was designated for assignment by the Tigers on May 7.{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=2021-05-07 |title=Tigers Designate Buck Farmer For Assignment |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/tigers-dfa-buck-farmer.html |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} He was outrighted to Triple-A Toledo on May 11.{{Cite web |last=Byrne |first=Connor |date=2021-05-11 |title=Outrighted: Farmer, Ryan |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/outrighted-farmer-ryan.html |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} Farmer would return to the big leagues on June 13, as his contract was selected by the Tigers from Toledo.{{Cite web|last=Franco|first=Anthony|title=Tigers Select Buck Farmer|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/06/tigers-select-buck-farmer.html|access-date=June 13, 2021|website=MLB Trade Rumors|date=June 13, 2021|language=en-US}} Between send-down and call-up, Farmer made nine appearances out of the bullpen in Toledo, pitching {{fraction|11|1|3}} innings, and ending with a 3.97 ERA helped greatly by a stretch of four straight scoreless outings immediately preceding his call-up.{{Cite tweet |number=1404064419299090433 |user=evanwoodbery |title=Farmer last pitched on Thursday, so he should be fresh. Although he got off to a bumpy start in Toledo, he's pitched well of late. In his last four outings, he's thrown 6 1/3 scoreless innings, 3 hits, 0 walks, 3 strikeouts. |first=Evan |last=Woodbery |date=June 13, 2021 |access-date=2024-09-11}} Farmer struggled to a 6.37 ERA in {{frac|35|1|3}} innings for the Tigers. On August 14, Farmer was designated for assignment by the Tigers.{{Cite web |last=Polishuk |first=Mark |date=2021-08-14 |title=Tigers Designate Buck Farmer For Assignment |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/tigers-designate-buck-farmer-for-assignment.html |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}

On August 17, he was released by the Tigers.{{Cite web |last=Franco |first=Anthony |date=2021-08-17 |title=Tigers Release Buck Farmer |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/tigers-release-buck-farmer.html |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}

On August 21, 2021, Farmer signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers organization and was assigned to the Round Rock Express of the Triple-A West.{{Cite web |date=August 21, 2021 |title=Texas Rangers sign RHP Buck Farmer to Minor League contract |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-texas-rangers-sign-rhp-buck-farmer-to-minor-league-contract |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}

On March 16, 2022, Farmer signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.{{Cite web|last1=McDonald |first1=Darragh|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/03/reds-agree-to-deals-with-donovan-solano-buck-farmer.html|title=Reds Sign Donovan Solano, Buck Farmer|access-date=March 16, 2022 |date=March 16, 2022|website=MLB Trade Rumors}} On April 4, it was announced that Farmer had made Cincinnati's Opening Day roster.{{cite web |last1=Purcell |first1=Jared |title=Former Tigers pitcher Buck Farmer makes Opening Day roster for Cincinnati Reds |url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2022/04/former-tigers-pitcher-buck-farmer-makes-opening-day-roster-for-cincinnati-reds.html |publisher=mlive.com |access-date=May 7, 2022 |date=April 7, 2022}} He was designated for assignment on May 6.{{cite web |last1=Franco |first1=Anthony |date=May 6, 2022 |title=Reds Designate Buck Farmer For Assignment |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/05/reds-designate-buck-farmer-for-assignment.html |access-date=May 7, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors}} On May 9, Farmer cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-A Louisville Bats.{{Cite web |date=May 9, 2022 |title=Reds' Buck Farmer: Clears waivers |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-buck-farmer-clears-waivers/amp/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=CBS Sports |language=en}} Farmer elected free agency and re-signed with the Reds on a minor league contract the next day.{{Cite web |date=May 10, 2022 |title=Reds' Buck Farmer: Re-signs on MiLB deal |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-buck-farmer-re-signs-on-milb-deal/amp/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=CBS Sports |language=en}}

On July 9, 2022, Farmer was selected back to the active roster by Cincinnati.{{Cite web |date=July 9, 2022 |title=Reds' Buck Farmer: Contract selected by Reds |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-buck-farmer-contract-selected-by-reds/amp/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=CBS Sports |language=en}} On August 1, Farmer earned his first career save in a 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.{{Cite web |date=August 1, 2022 |title=Reds' Buck Farmer: Tallies first career save |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-buck-farmer-tallies-first-career-save/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=CBS Sports |language=en}} He finished the year having appeared in 44 games for the Reds, posting a 2-2 record and 3.83 ERA with 54 strikeouts and two saves in 47.0 innings pitched. He became a free agent following the 2023 season.

On December 28, 2023, Farmer re-signed with the Reds on a one-year, $2.25 million deal.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-28 |title=Reds bring back reliever Farmer on 1-year deal |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39199824/reds-bring-back-reliever-buck-farmer-1-year-225m-deal |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}

On February 16, 2025, Farmer signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.{{Cite web|title=Braves Sign Buck Farmer To Minor League Contract|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/02/braves-sign-buck-farmer-to-minor-league-contract.html|access-date=February 16, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} In 5 appearances for the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, he struggled to a 1-0 record and 7.71 ERA with 7 strikeouts across {{fraction|4|2|3}} innings pitched. Farmer was released by the Braves organization on April 15.{{Cite web|title=Buck Farmer: Released from MiLB deal|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/buck-farmer-released-from-milb-deal/|access-date=April 15, 2025|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

Throughout his career, Farmer relied on three pitches: a 91–95 MPH four-seam fastball (tops out at 97 MPH), a mid-80s MPH slider and a changeup.{{Cite web |last=Manuel |first=John |date=August 12, 2014 |title=What To Expect: Tigers RHP Buck Farmer |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/fantasy/expect-tigers-rhp-buck-farmer/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630020155/http://www.baseballamerica.com/fantasy/expect-tigers-rhp-buck-farmer/ |archive-date=2016-06-30 |website=Baseball America}} In 2015, he added a two-seam fastball to his repertoire in order to generate more groundballs, a philosophy taught to him by his AAA pitching coach, Mike Maroth.{{Cite web |last=Paul |first=Tony |date=May 26, 2015 |title=Armed with new pitch, Farmer ready for '15 debut |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2015/05/26/armed-with-new-pitch-farmer-ready-for-15-debut/27968689/ |access-date=2024-09-11 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}

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Category:1991 births

Category:Living people

Category:Baseball players from Georgia (U.S. state)

Category:Chatham Anglers players

Category:Cincinnati Reds players

Category:Connecticut Tigers players

Category:Detroit Tigers players

Category:Erie SeaWolves players

Category:Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball players

Category:Gwinnett Stripers players

Category:Major League Baseball pitchers

Category:Sportspeople from Conyers, Georgia

Category:Round Rock Express players

Category:Toledo Mud Hens players

Category:West Michigan Whitecaps players