The San Diego Padres have emerged as the Los Angeles Dodgers' primary NL West rivals, thanks to consecutive 90-win seasons. Yet, their postseason struggles remain a sticking point in a division that boasts the Dodgers, the 2023 World Series participant Arizona Diamondbacks, and the 2010s dynasty San Francisco Giants.
In an effort to shake things up, the Padres signed Walker Buehler to a minor league deal before spring training. While Buehler isn't the ace he once was in Los Angeles, there's still enough potential to get Padres fans excited about his addition.
With Joe Musgrove likely missing Opening Day, the Padres' already thin rotation is feeling the pressure. This situation opens a door for Buehler, who joined the Dodgers' rivals for the best shot at starting in 2026.
Buehler had options, including re-signing with the Phillies after a brief stint in '25, but he chose the Padres for the chance to start. He noted that Philadelphia's rotation was stacked, making San Diego a more appealing choice for his career revival.
The big question is whether Dodgers fans will see Buehler on the mound against them this season.
Buehler's journey has been a rollercoaster. After making two All-Star appearances and earning top-10 Cy Young finishes in 2019 and 2021, injuries derailed his career.
Missing all of 2023 and posting a 4.75 ERA in 2022 and 2024 didn't help his cause. Yet, he still closed out the final inning of the 2024 World Series, showcasing his postseason prowess.
His subsequent stint with the Red Sox was rough, but a brief, impressive showing with the Phillies (0.66 ERA in three appearances) kept his career afloat. Despite this, he had to settle for a minor-league contract with the Padres, the only team seemingly willing to offer him a rotation spot.
If Musgrove's absence allows Buehler to step in as the No. 5 starter, he has a chance to prove himself. His spring performance - a 3.23 FIP and 21.4% strikeout rate in two starts - suggests he might just pull it off.
Should Buehler aim for redemption against the Dodgers, he'll need to maintain his spot beyond Musgrove's return. The Padres and Dodgers' first matchup in 2026 is set for May 18-20 in San Diego, and if Buehler is in the rotation, that series could carry extra weight for both teams.