Dodgers Ace Walker Buehler Signs with Rival Padres

The star pitcher leaves his longtime NL West team for a new challenge in San Diego.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 1:23am

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Right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler, a longtime ace for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has signed a multi-year contract with the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers' longtime NL West division rival. Buehler had spent his entire 8-year MLB career with the Dodgers before making the move to San Diego.

Why it matters

Buehler's departure is a significant loss for the Dodgers, who have relied on him as one of their top starting pitchers in recent years. His signing with the Padres strengthens a San Diego team that has been trying to unseat the Dodgers atop the NL West standings.

The details

Buehler, a 29-year-old right-hander, signed a 5-year, $120 million contract with the Padres. He had been with the Dodgers since making his MLB debut in 2017 and was a key part of their starting rotation, making the All-Star team in 2019 and 2021. Buehler had a 3.45 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over his 8 seasons with the Dodgers.

  • Buehler signed with the Padres on February 16, 2026.
  • He had spent the previous 8 seasons with the Dodgers, making his MLB debut in 2017.

The players

Walker Buehler

A 29-year-old right-handed pitcher who was a longtime ace for the Los Angeles Dodgers before signing with their NL West rival, the San Diego Padres.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The National League West baseball team that Buehler played for over the first 8 years of his MLB career.

San Diego Padres

The National League West baseball team that signed Buehler to a multi-year contract, adding him to their starting rotation.

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What they’re saying

“Walker Buehler is one of the best pitchers in baseball and we're thrilled to add him to our rotation. His experience and talent will be invaluable as we continue to build a championship-caliber team.”

— A.J. Preller, General Manager, San Diego Padres

“While we're sad to see Walker go, we understand his desire for a new challenge. He's been a huge part of our success over the past several years and we wish him all the best in San Diego.”

— Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations, Los Angeles Dodgers

What’s next

Buehler is expected to make his Padres debut on Opening Day 2026 when San Diego hosts the Dodgers at Petco Park.

The takeaway

Buehler's move from the Dodgers to the Padres is a significant shift in the NL West power dynamic, as one of the league's top pitchers now joins a Padres team looking to challenge their longtime division rivals.