Padres Sign Veteran Pitcher Walker Buehler to Minor League Deal

The former Dodgers All-Star looks to regain form after second Tommy John surgery

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The San Diego Padres have agreed to a one-year minor league contract with veteran right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler, according to a source. Buehler, a former All-Star with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is looking to bounce back after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in 2022. The Padres have added several experienced starters to their rotation in recent weeks, including Griffin Canning and Germán Márquez.

Why it matters

Buehler was once considered one of the best young pitchers in baseball, making the All-Star team twice and finishing in the top 10 of Cy Young voting. If he can regain his pre-injury form, he could provide a major boost to the Padres' rotation as they look to compete in the NL West.

The details

Buehler, 31, went 39-13 with a 2.82 ERA and 0.99 WHIP over his first four full seasons with the Dodgers from 2018-2021. He was dominant in the postseason as well, posting a 2.94 ERA in 15 starts. However, Buehler has struggled since undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in August 2022, going just 11-13 with a 5.10 ERA in 38 appearances between the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Phillies in 2024 and 2025.

  • Buehler agreed to the minor league deal with the Padres on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • Buehler underwent his second Tommy John surgery in August 2022.

The players

Walker Buehler

A 31-year-old right-handed pitcher who was once an All-Star and top Cy Young contender with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.

San Diego Padres

A Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California that has added several experienced starting pitchers to their rotation this offseason.

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What’s next

The Padres will monitor Buehler's progress in the minor leagues as he looks to regain his form and earn a spot in their major league rotation.

The takeaway

The Padres are taking a low-risk flier on the once-dominant Buehler, hoping he can bounce back from injury and provide a boost to their pitching staff as they aim to compete in the NL West.