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Padres Sign Walker Buehler to Minor League Deal

4 months agoUS
Padres Sign Walker Buehler to Minor League DealSource: mlb.com
The San Diego Padres have signed veteran right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler to a minor league deal. Buehler, a former All-Star with the Los Angeles Dodgers, looks to revitalize his career and compete for a spot in the Padres' starting rotation. This move adds depth to San Diego's pitching options as they prepare for the 2026 season.

Key Insights

Walker Buehler, 31, signed a one-year minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, pending a physical.

Buehler will compete for a rotation spot during Spring Training, joining recent signings Griffin Canning and Germán Márquez.

Buehler aims to recapture his early-career form after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery in August 2022.

Why this matters: The Padres are taking a low-risk gamble on Buehler's potential, adding an experienced arm to their pitching depth. If Buehler can regain his past form, it would be a significant boost to the team's rotation.

In-Depth Analysis

Walker Buehler's signing with the Padres represents a calculated risk for the team. Once considered a borderline ace, Buehler's career has been hampered by injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries. His performance declined after his return in 2024, leading to inconsistent results with the Red Sox and Phillies in 2025.

However, the Padres are betting on Buehler's potential to rebound. His minor league deal includes opt-out clauses, allowing him to explore other opportunities if he doesn't make the active roster. Despite his recent struggles, Buehler's velocity remains near league average, and his experience could be valuable to the Padres' pitching staff.

The Padres' rotation currently features Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Joe Musgrove as locks. Buehler will compete with Randy Vásquez, Germán Márquez, Griffin Canning, JP Sears, Matt Waldron, Triston McKenzie and Marco Gonzales for the remaining spots. His performance in Spring Training will be crucial in determining his role with the team.

FAQs

Q: What are the terms of Walker Buehler's deal with the Padres?

Walker Buehler signed a one-year minor league deal with the Padres.

Q: What is Walker Buehler's recent performance?

Buehler has struggled since returning from Tommy John surgery, posting a 5.10 ERA over the past two seasons.

Q: What teams did Walker Buehler play for in 2025?

Walker Buehler played for the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies in 2025.

Key Takeaways

The Padres are taking a chance on Walker Buehler, hoping he can regain his form after injury.

Buehler will compete for a spot in the Padres' starting rotation during Spring Training.

This move adds depth to the Padres' pitching staff, providing more options for the 2026 season.

Discussion

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