Former Dodger Walker Buehler signs with Padres, calls it 'weird'

Buehler looks to make Padres' rotation after Tommy John surgery in 2022

Feb. 18, 2026 at 11:23pm

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After spending the first seven seasons of his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitcher Walker Buehler has signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres. Buehler admitted that it feels 'weird' to join the Padres, the Dodgers' longtime rival, but he sees it as a 'great opportunity' to be part of a talented baseball club. Buehler is looking to make the Padres' starting rotation and return to form after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022.

Why it matters

Buehler's move from the Dodgers to the Padres is notable as it involves a high-profile player switching sides in one of baseball's fiercest rivalries. The Padres and Dodgers have been fierce competitors in the NL West in recent years, so Buehler's decision to join the Padres could have significant implications for the divisional race.

The details

Buehler, who spent the first seven seasons of his MLB career with the Dodgers, signed a minor league contract with the Padres in the offseason. He acknowledged that it feels 'weird' to join the Padres, the Dodgers' longtime rival, but he sees it as a 'great opportunity' to be part of a talented baseball club. Buehler is looking to make the Padres' starting rotation and return to form after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022. He has also played for the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies in his career.

  • Buehler signed with the Padres in the 2026 offseason.
  • Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022.

The players

Walker Buehler

A former starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who has signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.

San Diego Padres

A professional baseball team in the National League West division.

Los Angeles Dodgers

A professional baseball team in the National League West division and longtime rival of the San Diego Padres.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, it feels a little weird. I imagine 5 years ago, it would've been a lot more weird. But this is a crazy game, and this is a great opportunity for me to again be part of a really talented baseball club, and it's what I'm here to do.”

— Walker Buehler (97.3 The Fan)

“Obviously, some familiarity with the division. Living in Southern California is something that my family and I are accustomed to. And you know, good opportunity to be a part of a really talented ball club. And you know, looking forward to seeing what we can make of it.”

— Walker Buehler (97.3 The Fan)

What’s next

Buehler will look to make the Padres' starting rotation during spring training as he aims to return to form after his Tommy John surgery.

The takeaway

Buehler's move from the Dodgers to the Padres is a notable shift in one of baseball's fiercest rivalries, as the high-profile pitcher looks to revive his career with a new team in the NL West.