Walker Buehler Signs with Padres: A New Chapter Begins
Veteran right-hander Walker Buehler has agreed to a one-year Minor League deal with the San Diego Padres, as reported by MLB.com on Monday night. The agreement is pending a physical and has not yet been officially confirmed by the club. This move marks the third experienced starting pitcher the Padres have added in the past week, alongside Griffin Canning and Germán Márquez, and follows the earlier signing of veteran left-hander Marco Gonzales.
Buehler will compete for a rotation spot alongside JP Sears, Matt Waldron, Randy Vásquez, and Triston McKenzie, backing up established starters Michael King, Nick Pivetta, and Joe Musgrove. The Padres are clearly bolstering their pitching depth as they aim for a competitive season.
A Career Interrupted: The Road to Recovery
Buehler’s journey to the Padres is a story of resilience. Since undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in August 2022, he’s been diligently working to return to the dominant form he displayed earlier in his career. From 2018 to 2021, during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Buehler was a force to be reckoned with, boasting a combined record of 39-13 across 95 games (94 starts). His impressive stats included a 2.82 ERA, a 146 ERA+, and a 0.99 WHIP.
His accolades during this period were numerous: a third-place finish in the 2018 NL Rookie of the Year Award voting, two NL All-Star selections, and twice being a contender for the NL Cy Young Award (ninth in 2019, fourth in 2021). Buehler also proved his mettle in the postseason, starting 15 games for the Dodgers and maintaining a 2.94 ERA.
Postseason Heroics and Recent Struggles
Buehler played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series victory, allowing just five runs in five starts, including standout performances in crucial games against the Braves and Rays. However, a career-best 2021 season (16-4, 2.47 ERA) was cut short in 2022 after just 12 starts, leading to the flexor tendon repair and second Tommy John surgery.
His return to action in May 2024 wasn’t the triumphant comeback many hoped for. He posted a combined 11-13 record with a 5.10 ERA across stints with the Dodgers (2024), Red Sox (2025), and Phillies (2025). Despite these struggles, Buehler showcased flashes of his former self, notably during the Dodgers’ 2024 title run, delivering 10 scoreless innings in the postseason.
What’s Next for Buehler in San Diego?
While his regular season results haven’t fully rebounded since the surgery, the Padres are betting on Buehler’s potential. His percentile rankings in strikeout and walk rates have declined since his pre-surgery peak (9th and 15th percentile in 2025, compared to 65th and 78th in 2021), but the Padres’ pitching coaches may be able to unlock his previous form. The Padres are hoping that a change of scenery and a focused approach can help Buehler rediscover his dominance. You can find more information about the Padres’ roster moves on MLB.com.
