BREAKING NEWS: Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler has officially signed with the San Diego Padres, just announced today in Peoria, Arizona. The right-hander, who spent the first eight seasons of his MLB career with the Dodgers, inked a minor league deal that includes an invitation to big league camp, marking a significant shift in the National League West rivalry.
Buehler, now 31, expressed mixed emotions in his first comments as a Padre. “Yeah, it feels a little weird,” he told reporters after donning the Padres’ iconic brown and gold. “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.” His determination is clear as he aims to crack the starting rotation, stating, “I’m a starter, and I want to start, so I’m here to try and make the rotation.”
After a challenging season split between Boston and Philadelphia, where he was signed in late August following his release from the Red Sox, Buehler is eager to bounce back. He noted that his performance in the latter half of last season was promising, showcasing improved velocity and delivery. “I threw the ball well over there, and getting the velocity back has kind of been the big thing,” he said.
During his ten years with the Dodgers, Buehler was a two-time All-Star and a key contributor to two World Series titles. He has an impressive track record against the Padres, boasting a career record of 7-1 with a 1.67 ERA in 13 starts. His last notable moment with the Dodgers came in the 2024 World Series, where he secured a victory in Game 3 and earned a save in the decisive Game 5 against the New York Yankees.
Buehler’s signing comes at a pivotal time for the Padres, who are looking to fill two openings in their rotation. Alongside Buehler, Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, and Michael King already hold rotation spots. He will compete against Randy Vásquez, JP Sears, and newcomers Germán Márquez and Griffin Canning for the final two spots.
With the team recently bolstered by signings like Nick Castellanos and Miguel Andujar, general manager A.J. Preller is clearly committed to strengthening the roster after a successful 90-win season. Buehler’s familiarity with the division and his move back to Southern California is expected to provide a fresh start and a strong opportunity for both him and the Padres.
Buehler’s career stats include a record of 57-29, a 3.52 ERA, and a 1.15 WHIP, with over 150 strikeouts in three seasons. He emphasized that he is dedicated to regaining his form after undergoing two Tommy John surgeries, stating, “My elbow and my body have kind of been through some stuff.”
As the Padres gear up for the new season, Walker Buehler is poised to make an immediate impact. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how he integrates into the team and whether he can reclaim his status as one of the league’s top starters. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.