Buehler wants separate Cy Young for rookies named after Valenzuela

Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler wants Major League Baseball to introduce a new accolade.

"I personally think there should be a rookie Cy Young as well," Buehler said during an appearance on the "Just Baseball Show." "Not to be like, 'Oh, I should get all this stuff,' but I was third in the Rookie of the Year (voting) to Ronald Acuna Jr. and Juan Soto. Pretty generational, but also, neither of them pitch, so who am I competing against?"

The two-time All-Star mentioned Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider and Miami Marlins rookie Eury Perez as deserving of recognition. Strider, considered an NL Cy Young candidate this season, finished runner-up in NL Rookie of the Year voting last campaign to outfielder and teammate Michael Harris II.

"They should be rewarded ... give that guy a plaque, he was the best starting pitcher rookie in the game."

Buehler also revealed that he's coined a name for the award.

"Let's have a Fernando Valenzuela Award, best rookie pitcher ever."

Valenzuela recently had his jersey retired by the Dodgers. The six-time All-Star was rewarded for his outstanding freshman campaign back in 1981, winning both NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young while also finishing fifth in MVP voting. He remains the only player to win both awards in the same season.

Buehler is rehabbing after undergoing Tommy John surgery last year and is considered close to returning.