Walker Buehler arrived at the Padres’ spring training facility in Peoria, Arizona, on Monday, donning the team’s colors and preparing to compete for a spot on their 2026 roster. The right-handed pitcher signed a minor-league contract, presenting a fresh opportunity to prove himself after facing challenges following two Tommy John surgeries. This new chapter offers Buehler a chance to reestablish his standing in Major League Baseball while joining a talented Padres squad.
Striving for a Role in the Padres’ Starting Rotation
At 31 years old, Buehler is competing against a group of about five pitchers for likely only one available spot in the Padres’ starting rotation to begin the season. Although currently in camp on a minor-league deal, the 2024 season presents a vital opportunity for him to show that he can still perform at the level expected from his peak years. The Padres have offered him a base salary of $1.5 million, which could escalate to $4 million depending on his performance.
Buehler Reflects on Shifting Rivalries and First Encounters
When asked about his new position on the Padres’ side of the longstanding Dodgers-Padres rivalry, Buehler admitted he has yet to fully process the change.
“We’ll make the team first, and then try and get back into that,”
he remarked. His prime years in the major leagues, 2018 through 2021, coincided with the Dodgers dominating the matchup — winning nearly 70% of games against the Padres. During that time, Buehler excelled, posting a 6-0 record with a 1.49 ERA across 10 starts against San Diego. Notably, his first start against the Padres, in Monterrey, Mexico, was remarkable as he pitched six no-hit innings, forming part of a combined no-hitter.
Performance After Injuries and Efforts Toward Recovery
Following Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Buehler’s return to the mound has been mixed. In 2024, he had moments of promise, including a strong five-inning start allowing only one run against the Padres, although one outing allowed three runs in just over three innings. Across 12 total starts against the Padres while with the Dodgers, he maintained an impressive 1.80 ERA over 75 innings and is one of the few Dodgers pitchers historically with such success against the team.
Padres Management Expresses Optimism Amid Uncertainty
Padres manager Craig Stammen spoke positively about Buehler’s potential contributions, saying,
“Excited to see what he’s got and see him compete, and hopefully (he will) bring some of those good games that we saw him pitch against us … for us.”
The team has cautiously invested in Buehler, recognizing both the risk and upside of acquiring a formerly elite pitcher still working back from significant surgeries. They have observed his winter performances and expect pitching coach Ruben Niebla to help improve his delivery, consistency, and efficiency.
Adjustments in Velocity and Command
Buehler’s fastball velocity has declined somewhat from his pre-injury peak, averaging about 93 mph now compared to nearly 96 mph before his last elbow surgery. Despite this decrease, the Padres believe with the right mechanical tweaks, some of that velocity can be regained. Buehler acknowledged the challenge, stating,
“Getting the velocity back as well as the delivery has kind of been the big thing. And the second half of last year was relatively successful compared to the first half. And there’s obviously some stuff we want to continue to build on there and get some of the velocity, the explosiveness — whatever you want to call it — back.”
Performance Metrics Reveal Ongoing Challenges
Since returning in 2024 with stints on the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Phillies, Buehler has posted a 5.10 ERA and 1.53 WHIP across 201⅓ innings. These numbers reflect a downturn compared to his previous career averages, including increased walk rates and reduced strikeout percentages. His walk rate climbed to 9.8% from 6.3%, while his strikeout rate fell to 17.2% from 27%, indicating some struggles in command and dominance on the mound.
Recent Career Moves and Key Performances
After playing a crucial role in the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series win over the Yankees, where he pitched six shutout innings including a flawless ninth in the championship-clinching game, Buehler signed a one-year, $21.05 million contract with the Red Sox. However, inconsistent performances led to his release in late August, despite moments of strong pitching, such as a six-inning shutout start against the Padres at Petco Park. His brief tenure with the Phillies in September showed some improvement, allowing only one run over nearly 14 innings in three games, but underlying statistics did not markedly improve.
Commitment to Health and Physical Readiness
Buehler highlighted the toll his elbow and body have endured, explaining,
“My elbow and my body (have) kind of been through some stuff. Kind of took a different approach and moved out here for the offseason and got my body in a little bit better spot. I liked a lot of the stuff that I was kind of working on in Philadelphia, and I just didn’t stop throwing and kind of kept working through some of that stuff. And I feel like the delivery is a lot closer to what it was kind of pre-’22.”
Hopeful Prospects Amidst Uncertain Future
The Padres face the challenge of integrating a player who once stood among the dominant pitchers in baseball but now must demonstrate his ability to return to form after multiple surgeries and inconsistent recent seasons. This gamble offers Buehler a meaningful chance to revive his career, while the Padres potentially gain a valuable asset for their rotational depth. How the 2026 season unfolds will be key for both sides, as Buehler strives to rediscover the velocity and command that once defined his success.
