Padres Add Former World Series Champion Walker Buehler on Minor League Contract

The San Diego Padres have agreed to a minor league contract with right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler, adding a former All-Star to their spring training competition. The deal was first reported by Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune [1] and MLB Trade Rumors.

Buehler’s Career Trajectory

Buehler, 31, was a two-time All-Star with the Los Angeles Dodgers and played a key role in their 2024 World Series championship, even closing out Game 5 [1]. He was drafted by the Dodgers in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft and debuted with the club in 2017 [3].

Recent Struggles and Transactions

Yet, Buehler’s performance has declined since undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in August 2022. He missed the entire 2023 season as a result [2]. In 2024, he posted a 5.38 ERA over 16 starts (75⅓ innings) before pitching well in the postseason [1].

Buehler signed a one-year, $21.05 million deal with the Boston Red Sox prior to the 2025 season but was released in August after struggling to a 5.45 ERA in 22 appearances [2]. He finished the 2025 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing only one run in 13⅔ innings over three appearances [1].

Competition for a Rotation Spot

The Padres have been active in bolstering their pitching staff this offseason, signing Griffin Canning and Germán Márquez to major league deals over the weekend [2]. San Diego currently has three locks for their Opening Day rotation: Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Joe Musgrove [2]. Randy Vásquez is considered to have a lead for the fourth starter role [2].

Buehler will compete with Matt Waldron, Triston McKenzie, JP Sears, and Marco Gonzales for the final rotation spot [1] and [2].

Statistical Overview

Throughout his career, Buehler has a 57-29 record with a 3.52 ERA and 846 strikeouts in 839.2 innings pitched [3]. He finished the 2025 season with a combined record of 10-7 and a 4.93 ERA in 126.0 innings pitched [3].