Short Description: The San Diego Padres roll the dice, signing former Dodgers ace Walker Buehler to a minor-league deal amidst his well-documented struggles, adding a fascinating twist to their rotation competition.
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The San Diego Padres have made a low-risk, potentially high-reward move that will stir memories for longtime NL West fans, agreeing to a minor-league deal with former Los Angeles Dodgers star Walker Buehler. Once a dominant force and postseason hero for the rival Dodgers, the 31-year-old right-hander has seen his career trajectory plummet following a second Tommy John surgery that cost him the entire 2023 season. For the Padres’ front office, this represents a calculated gamble. They are investing minimal guaranteed money in a player who, just a few years ago, was among the league’s elite, boasting a 3.02 ERA over his first six seasons. The move is quintessential for teams seeking value; if Buehler can rediscover even a fraction of his old form, he could become a steal in the ongoing starting rotation competition.
However, the financial and performance data since his return paints a stark picture. Buehler struggled mightily with the Red Sox in 2025, posting a 5.45 ERA before his release, and his underlying metrics reveal a pitcher who has lost his signature edge. His average fastball velocity has dipped, his strikeout rate has sharply declined from 27% to 17.2%, and his walk rate has risen. This represents a significant career decline for the two-time All-Star. Yet, the Padres are betting on pedigree and glimpses of the old Buehler, like his solid 2024 postseason and strong finish with the Phillies last year. His historical dominance against San Diego (7-1, 1.67 ERA) is likely a footnote, but it underscores the talent that once was.
Buehler now enters a crowded battle for what is likely one open spot in the Padres’ 2025 starting rotation. He will compete with the likes of Matt Waldron, Triston McKenzie, Germán Márquez, and left-handers JP Sears and Marco Gonzales. For the Padres, this is a classic spring training flyer with almost no financial downside. For Buehler, it’s a critical opportunity to prove he can still be an effective major league pitcher and potentially rebuild his value. The story of whether the former Dodger ace can reinvent himself in San Diego will be one of the most compelling narratives in camp.
Short Summary: The Padres have signed veteran right-hander Walker Buehler to a minor-league contract. The former Dodgers ace, whose career has been derailed by injury and declining performance, will compete for a spot in San Diego’s rotation. This low-cost move allows the Padres to bet on Buehler’s pedigree, while he seeks to prove he can still be a viable major league starter.
