On February 16, Walker Buehler agreed to a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres, which includes an invitation to their major league spring training. This development surprised many fans given Buehler’s long tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a divisional rival, and even Buehler himself acknowledged that wearing a Padres cap “feels a little weird.” The pitching veteran, once valued highly, now faces a different career phase following a disappointing 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox.
After signing a one-year deal worth $21.05 million with Boston last year, Buehler struggled, finishing with a 5.45 ERA across 112.1 innings. The Red Sox released him before the season ended, and he subsequently joined the Philadelphia Phillies. With Philadelphia, Buehler pitched 13.2 innings, allowing one run on 10 hits, striking out eight and walking six, but did not participate in the postseason, although he was part of the NLDS roster. Meanwhile, Dominic Smith also continued his transition, signing a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves. Smith is positioned as a backup first baseman behind Matt Olson, who has remained remarkably durable, playing every game for the past four seasons.
Dominic Smith’s Role Shifts as He Moves Toward 2026 Season
Dominic Smith’s journey since his time with the Red Sox has been marked by consistent effort and some standout moments. After Boston signed him as a backup first baseman following Triston Casas’ rib injury in 2024, Smith contributed solidly. He batted .237/.317/.390, hitting 20 doubles and driving in 34 runs over 84 games while demonstrating defensive skill on occasion.
Since being designated for assignment by Boston in 2023, Smith has also played for the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants. His performance with the Giants proved respectable, as he slashed .284/.333/.417 with a .750 OPS over 84 games, providing reliable depth and flexibility for his new teams.
First Base Challenges for Boston’s Infield Staff During Spring Training
Boston has faced uncertainty at first base due to long-term injuries and roster changes. Over the offseason, the team added Willson Contreras, an experienced player transitioning from catcher to first base. Contreras’ history of durability is mixed, as he has yet to appear in more than 138 games during a single season across his decade-long career.
Given Contreras’ injury risk and Casas’ ongoing recovery, the Red Sox have prepared multiple contingency options for first base during spring training, including Nick Sogard, Connor Wong, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Notably, Kiner-Falefa has never appeared at first base in the majors before, having primarily played shortstop, second base, and occasionally third base.
“Instead of doing it the day before they think about putting me in that situation, this gives me time to work on things and gives them time to see me out there and see if they actually want to trust me instead of doing it on the fly. It’s smart to try it early,”
Kiner-Falefa said, reflecting on his new role (via Sean McAdam of MassLive).
Boston’s situation at the corner has been tested before, with Smith stepping in during 2024 and Abraham Toro taking over for the injured Casas in 2025, before Romy Gonzalez claimed the spot. As a former Gold Glove winner with versatile fielding experience, Kiner-Falefa could emerge as a reliable emergency option. However, the Red Sox hope that both Contreras and Casas remain healthy enough to maintain stability at first base throughout the season.
Implications of Recent Signings and Roster Adjustments for the 2026 Season
Walker Buehler’s signing with the Padres and Dominic Smith’s agreement with the Braves both highlight a period of transition for former Red Sox players seeking to revitalize their careers. Buehler’s move to San Diego suggests an attempt to regain form after a difficult 2025, while Smith’s role with Atlanta offers depth behind a notably consistent starter.
Boston’s ongoing challenges securing a reliable first baseman reflect broader roster management concerns, as injuries and player performance continue to affect strategic decisions. With several players preparing to adapt to new roles and teams, the 2026 season promises to be pivotal for these athletes and their organizations moving forward.
