Walker Buehler's journey through the MLB has been a rollercoaster, and his latest chapter with the San Diego Padres promises to be intriguing. After a challenging 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox, where expectations were high following a one-year, $21.05 million contract, Buehler found himself released and briefly with the Philadelphia Phillies. Now, the 31-year-old pitcher is looking for redemption with the Padres, having signed a minor league deal.
Buehler didn't hold back when discussing his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. He took a swipe at their strategy, suggesting they rely too heavily on their financial might.
“It’s nice to finally be on a team that tries to win by playing hard-working together. Not just overpaying everyone because our ownership group is an investment firm managing $350 billion in assets,” Buehler remarked during spring training in Peoria, Arizona.
The Padres, known for their significant free-agent spending in recent years, are tightening their budget this offseason. Yet, dethroning the Dodgers in the National League West remains a top priority.
New Padres manager Craig Stammen expressed optimism about Buehler’s potential impact. Stammen highlighted the impressive reports from winter scouting and believes Buehler can return to his All-Star form, despite the challenges of a second elbow surgery in 2022.
“We’re excited to have him here in camp,” Stammen shared. “Our scouts have seen promising signs from him this offseason. He’s talked about his improvements, and we’re eager to see him compete and bring some of those stellar performances to our side.”
Buehler, a two-time World Series champion with the Dodgers, has shown he can perform on the biggest stage. His memorable stint in the 2024 World Series, where he closed out Game 5, is a testament to his talent and resilience. Now, as he dons a Padres uniform, all eyes will be on Buehler to see if he can recapture the magic and help his new team in their quest for glory.