Padres Sign Ex-Dodgers World Series Hero Buehler to Minor-League Deal

The former All-Star pitcher looks to revive his career in San Diego after a tough 2025 season.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The San Diego Padres have reportedly signed former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler to a minor-league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. Buehler, a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion with the Dodgers, struggled in 2025 with the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies, posting a 5.45 ERA in 23 appearances. The 31-year-old will now look to earn a spot in the Padres' crowded rotation as he aims to revive his career.

Why it matters

Buehler was once considered one of the top young pitchers in baseball, helping the Dodgers win two World Series titles. His signing with the Padres, the Dodgers' NL West rival, adds an intriguing storyline to the divisional race, as Buehler will have the chance to face his former team and potentially prove they were wrong not to re-sign him.

The details

After putting up a 5.45 ERA in 23 appearances with the Red Sox in 2025, being released, and finishing the season with just three appearances for the Phillies, the two-time All-Star Buehler now has to start over from the bottom. The Padres have signed him to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major league spring training, where he will compete for a spot in their crowded rotation.

  • In 2024, Buehler won his second World Series championship with the Dodgers.
  • After the 2024 season, Buehler signed a one-year, $21 million "prove it" deal with the Boston Red Sox.
  • In 2025, Buehler struggled with the Red Sox and Phillies, posting a 5.45 ERA in 23 appearances.
  • On February 17, 2026, the Padres signed Buehler to a minor-league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.

The players

Walker Buehler

A 31-year-old pitcher who was a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers before struggling in 2025 with the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies.

San Diego Padres

The National League West baseball team that has signed Buehler to a minor-league contract with an invitation to major league spring training, giving him a chance to revive his career.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The National League West baseball team that Buehler spent the first seven years of his career with, winning two World Series titles, before leaving as a free agent after the 2024 season.

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What’s next

Buehler will compete for a spot in the Padres' starting rotation during spring training, with the goal of earning a spot on the major league roster and reviving his career.

The takeaway

Buehler's signing with the Padres represents a chance for the former Dodgers star to prove he still has what it takes to be an elite pitcher in the major leagues, while also adding an intriguing storyline to the NL West divisional race as he faces his former team.