After adding Nick Castellanos to bolster the offense, the San Diego Padres have made a notable move for their pitching rotation by signing former Los Angeles Dodgers World Series hero Walker Buehler.
Just a year ago, Buehler was riding high off his second championship with the Dodgers, though his 2024 regular season fell short of expectations. He then signed a one-year, $21 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.
Buehler’s 2025 season was turbulent. After struggling with the Red Sox, posting a 5.45 ERA in 23 appearances, he was released. He finished the year with just three appearances for the Philadelphia Phillies, signaling a steep climb back to relevance in the majors.
On Monday, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Padres had signed Buehler to a minor-league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. This gives the 31-year-old a chance to compete for a spot in a Padres rotation aiming to challenge the Dodgers in 2026.
What Buehler brings to San Diego
Buehler’s career numbers remain impressive despite recent struggles. He owns a 57–29 regular-season record with a 3.52 ERA, and a 3.04 postseason ERA. Notably, in World Series play, he allowed just one earned run over 19 innings. Padres fans hope his experience and proven track record can help anchor the rotation.
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Motivation and opportunity
After a difficult season, Buehler now has a chance to prove himself once again. Facing the Dodgers — the team that initially drafted him and where he achieved World Series glory — could serve as extra motivation. The Padres have added a veteran presence with championship experience, a potential difference-maker in a competitive NL West.
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Will Walker Buehler reclaim his top form with the Padres in 2026?
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