Talk to Me, Goose: Railroaders Sign Maverik Buffo

CLEBURNE, Tex. (May 11, 2021) – The Cleburne Railroaders announced Tuesday the signing of right-handed pitcher Maverik Buffo.

Buffo was released by the Toronto Blue Jays organization on April 26 after spending parts of three seasons in their minor league system. A native of Salem, Utah, Buffo has worked as both a starter and a reliever in his professional career, compiling a 17-11 record and 4.30 ERA in 52 games, 34 of which were starts.

The right-hander was a 34th round selection out of Brigham Young University, where he pitched from 2015-17. His best season with the Cougars came in 2016, when he went 5-2 with a 3.63 ERA over 11 starts, though his campaign was cut short due to injury.

After signing with the Blue Jays, Buffo dominated with Toronto’s Gulf Coast League affiliate in 2017. He finished the year 5-1 with a microscopic 0.53 ERA, notching 36 strikeouts to only 2 walks over 34 innings of work. Buffo was named GCL August Player of the Month for his efforts, as well as a Baseball America Rookie All-Star. 

The following season, Buffo got off to a strong start with Class-A Lansing, garnering a Midseason All-Star selection with the Lugnuts by virtue of a 9-3 record and 4.26 ERA. He earned a promotion to High-A Dunedin, where the 6’2, 200-pounder finished out the season with 11 more starts.

Injuries hampered Buffo in 2019, with a brief rehab appearance in the GCL followed by 11 games with Dunedin to the tune of a 6.16 ERA, primarily operating as a reliever. The 25-year-old also pitched in eight games out of the bullpen with the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League.

The Railroaders open the 2021 season at home on May 18 against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. For information on partnerships, season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Railroaders main office at (817) 945-8705, or visit the Railroaders official website at www.railroaderbaseball.com.