Walker Buehler, Ex-Dodgers Star, Joins the San Diego Padres
Walker Buehler Signs with San Diego Padres After Eight Seasons with Dodgers
Walker Buehler, a prominent right-handed pitcher, has signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres, marking a significant transition after spending his first eight years in the major leagues with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team’s longstanding rivals. Buehler was seen in the Padres’ clubhouse on Tuesday morning, where he received an invitation to join the big league camp.
“Yeah, it feels a little weird,” Buehler remarked to reporters in Arizona while donning his new brown and gold Padres uniform. “I imagine five years ago it would have felt a lot more weird, but this is a crazy game and this is a great opportunity for me.”
At 31 years old, Buehler expressed his intention to secure a position on the team and contribute to its success. “I’m a starter, and I want to start, so I’m here to try and make the rotation,” he stated.
Last season, Buehler played for both the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies, who claimed him in late August after his release by Boston. Although he faced challenges while with the Red Sox, his performance improved during his brief stint with the Phillies, catching the attention of the Padres and other teams.
“I threw the ball well over there, and getting the velocity back as well as the delivery has kind of been the big thing,” he noted. “The second half of last year was relatively successful compared to the first half, and there’s stuff we want to continue to build on there.”
Buehler’s tenure with the Dodgers was marked by notable achievements, including two All-Star selections and two World Series championships. He established himself as a key part of their rotation, demonstrating exceptional prowess, especially against the Padres, against whom he recorded a 7-1 record with a 1.67 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 13 starts.
His most memorable performance came in the 2024 World Series, where he won Game 3 and secured the save in Game 5 at Yankee Stadium, concluding a triumphant return to the mound. This success followed an extensive recovery period during which he missed the entire 2023 season and significant portions of 2024 due to his second Tommy John surgery.
Following that notable Game 5 performance, Buehler parted ways with the Dodgers, signing a lucrative deal with Boston. After a challenging year in the East, he is eager to join the Padres, who currently have two openings in their starting rotation.
“Obviously some familiarity with the division, and living in Southern California is something that my family and I are accustomed to,” Buehler said. “A good opportunity to be a part of a really talented ballclub. Looking forward to seeing what we can make of it.”
As the Padres finalize their rotation, Buehler will compete for the remaining spots alongside fellow pitchers Randy Vásquez, JP Sears, German Márquez, and Griffin Canning. He mentioned moving back to Southern California over the offseason to prepare for another major league run, emphasizing improvements in his physical condition.
Buehler is optimistic about his recovery, noting that his delivery is regaining the form it had during his successful early years with the Dodgers. “My elbow and my body has kind of been through some stuff,” he admitted.
Over his decade-long major league career, Buehler has compiled a 57-29 record with a 3.52 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP, surpassing 150 strikeouts in three seasons.
