Walker Buehler Joins Padres on Minor League Deal After Challenging 2025

Former World Series hero Walker Buehler, 31, has agreed to a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, aiming to revive his MLB career and compete for a spot in their starting rotation. Buehler struggled in 2025 after returning from his second Tommy John surgery, posting a combined 4.94 ERA across stints with the Red Sox and Phillies before being released. A former Dodgers ace, he holds a career 57-29 record with a 3.52 ERA. He will compete with several other pitchers for a backend rotation spot with the Padres.