The Padres and Dodgers don’t just share a division-they share history, tension, and a freeway. And now, they might be sharing a former ace.
Walker Buehler, a two-time World Series champion and longtime staple of the Dodgers’ rotation, is being linked to the San Diego Padres as a potential free-agent target. That’s not just a storyline-it’s a seismic ripple in one of the National League’s most heated rivalries.
Buehler, who’s working his way back from Tommy John surgery, is reportedly on San Diego’s radar as a short-term, high-upside addition. With Dylan Cease heading to Toronto and leaving a gap in the Padres’ rotation, the club is exploring options with pedigree and postseason experience. Buehler checks both boxes-and then some.
The expectation is that any deal would be a “prove-it” contract, with Buehler slotting in as the Padres' fifth starter. That’s a calculated move by a front office that’s never been afraid to take a swing.
General Manager A.J. Preller even hinted at pitching being a February focus during Padres FanFest, adding fuel to the speculation.
From a baseball standpoint, the fit makes sense. San Diego’s rotation already features Nick Pivetta, Michael King, Joe Musgrove, and Randy Vasquez.
Adding Buehler would give the staff a mix of veteran savvy and potential upside, especially if he can return to something close to his pre-injury form. And let’s not forget-this is a guy who’s thrived on the biggest stage.
If he’s healthy, he’s the kind of arm that can tip the balance in a playoff race.
But beyond the numbers and the rehab reports, there’s the emotional edge. If Buehler were to don brown and gold, it wouldn’t just be a move-it’d be a message. The Padres have never been shy about challenging the Dodgers head-on, and this would be another bold chapter in that ongoing chess match.
Meanwhile, down in the bullpen, the Padres are already locking in one of their most electric weapons. Mason Miller has officially arrived at spring training, and there’s no question about his role-he’s the closer. Period.
Since arriving in San Diego at last year’s trade deadline, Miller has been nothing short of dominant. His high-velocity fastball routinely touches triple digits, and hitters struggled mightily to square him up late in games. Down the stretch, he made Petco Park a pressure cooker for opposing lineups and a thrill ride for Padres fans.
Now, the keys are his. He’s healthy, confident, and ready to anchor the back end of a bullpen that’s been a strength for San Diego in recent years. If Miller continues his trajectory, he won’t just be another name in the Padres’ long lineage of standout closers-he could be the one who sets the new standard.
So while the Padres continue to tinker with the rotation and eye reinforcements like Buehler, they’ve already locked in a game-changer in the ninth. One thing’s clear: San Diego isn’t backing down from the fight.
Not now. Not with L.A. watching.