Former Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres on Monday.
Buehler played for the Dodgers from 2017-24, missing the 2023 season while undergoing Tommy John surgery.
The right-hander became a free agent after the 2024 season and turned down a $20 million offer from the Dodgers to eventually join the Boston Red Sox. They released him midway through the season and he finished the year with the Philadelphia Phillies.
October 16, 2024; New York City, NY, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler (21) walks out during the second inning against the New York Mets during Game 3 of the NLCS during the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
How does Walker Buehler pitch after leaving the Dodgers?
Buehler had a solid career with the Dodgers, making 131 appearances and a 3.27 ERA. He was a two-time All-Star with the Dodgers and finished fourth in Cy Young voting during his time in Los Angeles. However, after leaving Los Angeles, things did not go so smoothly.
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In 23 games with the Red Sox, Buehler had a 5.45 ERA. He hit 22 home runs in his first start with Boston, and the team eventually fired him in late August 2025.
The Phillies drafted him a few days later, and he performed even better upon his return to the National League. He had a 0.66 ERA in three games with Philly, but he did not appear in the postseason as his new team lost to the Dodgers in the NLDS.
How will Walker Buehler fit in with the Padres?
The Padres have suffered heavy losses this offseason, mainly on the pitching side.
They managed to retain Michael King by signing him to a three-year contract extension, but Dylan Cease became a free agent, Nestor Cortes became a free agent, and Yu Darvish suffered a season-ending injury. Their current starting core includes King, Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove and Randy Vazquez, leaving an opening for Buehler if they go with a traditional five-man rotation.
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Buehler has shown the ability to compete in the MLB in the past, and if he can crack the Opening Day rotation, he does have a chance to re-establish himself as a proven MLB starter in 2026.
What do you think of Buehler choosing to join a division rival?
