Bold shift in the NL West: Walker Buehler signs with the Padres after a long run with the Dodgers.
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Walker Buehler is joining the San Diego Padres, leaving behind eight seasons with their archrivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Buehler arrived in the Padres’ clubhouse Tuesday morning after agreeing to a minor league deal with an invitation to big‑league camp.
“It feels a little weird,” Buehler told reporters in Arizona after donning a brown and gold uniform. “If you’d told me five years ago I’d be in this position, it would have felt a lot weirder. But this is a crazy game and this is a great opportunity for me.”
The 31-year-old right-hander said he’ll come in, work to make the team, and contribute in any way he can. “I’m a starter, and I want to start, so I’m here to try and make the rotation.”
Last season, Buehler pitched for both Boston and Philadelphia, signing with the Red Sox in late August after they released him. He struggled in Boston, but showed enough spark with the Phillies to generate interest from the Padres and several other clubs.
“I threw the ball well over there, and getting the velocity back along with the delivery has been the big thing,” Buehler explained. “The second half of last year was considerably better than the first, and there are aspects we want to continue building on.”
During his decade with the Dodgers, Buehler earned two All-Star selections and two World Series rings, anchoring the rotation when healthy and often ranking among the majors’ elite starters. Notably, he’s thrived against the Padres, going 7-1 with a 1.67 ERA and 83 strikeouts across 13 starts.
He delivered a pivotal performance in the 2024 World Series by winning Game 3, then closed out the Dodgers’ clinching Game 5 at Yankee Stadium, capping his return with a gritty Fall Classic run. After missing all of 2023 and substantial portions of 2024 while recovering from his second Tommy John surgery, his postseason cameo with the Dodgers remains a defining highlight.
That memorable relief appearance in Game 5, preserving a 7‑6 victory over the Yankees, turned out to be his final outing for Los Angeles. The Dodgers permitted Buehler to depart as a free agent for a lucrative deal with Boston. Following a challenging year in the East, he’s eager to return to the West Coast and the NL West—with the Padres, who have two rotation spots open.
“Obviously I know the division well, and living in Southern California is something my family and I are used to,” Buehler said. “It’s a great opportunity to be part of a really talented club. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish.”
Currently, San Diego’s rotation already includes Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, and Michael King. Buehler will compete for the final two spots with returnees Randy Vásquez and JP Sears, plus newly signed Germán Márquez and Griffin Canning.
Buehler noted he relocated to the West during the off-season to gear up for another big‑league push and has worked on getting his body in better shape.
He added that his delivery is returning to the level of his first six major league seasons with the Dodgers, prior to elbow surgery. “My elbow and my body have been through a lot,” he said.
Off the field, the Padres have been notably active, revamping a roster that won 90 games and reached the postseason in four of six years. General manager A.J. Preller recently landed slugger Nick Castellanos, along with Márquez and Márquez’s teammate, and also brought in Michael Andújar the week before.
Preller also agreed to a contract extension, keeping one of baseball’s most enduring executives in San Diego amid the club’s ongoing ownership transition.
Buehler leaves the Dodgers with a 57-29 record and a 3.52 ERA, plus a 1.15 WHIP over ten seasons. He has surpassed 150 strikeouts three times.
Bottom line: Buehler’s move signals a bold gamble for the Padres as they seek depth and high-end upside in a competitive division. His comeback story—back from injury, returning to his peak form, and eager to contribute—adds an intriguing layer to an already ambitious offseason.
Would you want to see Buehler reclaim his status as a frontline starter for San Diego, or do you think the team should prioritize younger arms? Share your thoughts in the comments.
