Walker Buehler's journey through the MLB has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, and now he's adding a new chapter with the San Diego Padres. After a challenging 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox, Buehler found himself on the move again, ending the year with the Philadelphia Phillies. Now, the Padres have picked him up on a minor league deal, hoping to tap into the talent that once made him a two-time All-Star.
Buehler didn't hold back during his first media appearance at the Padres' spring training in Peoria, Arizona. Reflecting on his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he criticized their approach of building a star-studded roster by overpaying players. "It’s nice to finally be on a team that tries to win by playing hard-working together," Buehler remarked, taking a clear shot at his former team.
Despite the Padres' reputation for big spending in recent years, they're tightening the purse strings this offseason. Yet, the goal remains the same: dethroning the Dodgers in the National League West.
New Padres manager Craig Stammen is optimistic about what Buehler can bring to the team. Impressed by his offseason work, Stammen believes Buehler has the potential to return to his peak form, even after undergoing a second elbow surgery in 2022.
"We feel really good about what our scouts have seen from him," Stammen shared. "Excited to see what he’s got and see him compete."
Buehler's track record with the Dodgers includes two World Series titles, and he famously closed out Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. Now, the Padres hope he can channel that championship experience and competitive edge into their quest for success.