Padres Bet on Buehler's Upside for Opening Day Roster

Former All-Star Walker Buehler makes San Diego's roster despite recent struggles, as injuries reshape the team's rotation.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:18pm

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The San Diego Padres have added veteran pitcher Walker Buehler to their Opening Day roster, betting on his experience and upside to help stabilize their pitching staff as they deal with several key injuries to start the season. Buehler, a two-time All-Star and World Series champion, is looking to reclaim his form after posting a 4.93 ERA across 126 innings last year with multiple teams.

Why it matters

The Padres' rotation is not at full strength to begin the season, with Yu Darvish out for the year, Joe Musgrove sidelined for weeks, and other key starters also unavailable. Buehler's addition provides the team with a proven arm and the chance for him to regain his previous All-Star level of performance.

The details

Buehler did enough in spring training to earn a spot on the Padres' Opening Day roster, locking in a $1.5 million base salary with up to $2.5 million more available in bonuses. He joins a Padres rotation led by Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Randy Vásquez, with German Marquez also expected to contribute.

  • Buehler had an opt-out looming, but by making the Padres' roster, he will remain with the team to start the 2026 season.

The players

Walker Buehler

A two-time MLB All-Star and World Series champion who is looking to reclaim his form after posting a 4.93 ERA across 126 innings last year with multiple teams.

Yu Darvish

A Padres starting pitcher who is out for the 2026 season due to injury.

Joe Musgrove

A Padres starting pitcher who is sidelined for several weeks to start the 2026 season due to injury.

Nick Pivetta

A Padres starting pitcher who will lead the rotation to begin the 2026 season.

Michael King

A Padres starting pitcher who will be part of the rotation to start the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“The timing matters. He had an opt-out looming. Now, he stays with the Padres. Now, he gets the ball.”

— Anthony Franco, MLB Trade Rumors reporter

“Buehler did enough in camp to lock in his spot. By making the roster, Buehler locks in a $1.5 million base salary, with up to $2.5 million more available in bonuses.”

— Anthony Franco, MLB Trade Rumors reporter

“Buehler stepped in. He earned it with a steady spring and a varied pitch mix.”

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune reporter

What’s next

The Padres will monitor Buehler's performance closely as he looks to regain his All-Star form and help stabilize the team's rotation during the early part of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Padres are taking a calculated risk by adding Walker Buehler to their Opening Day roster, betting on his experience and upside to help offset the significant injuries their rotation is facing to start the season. If Buehler can rediscover his previous success, it could provide a major boost for the Padres as they chase a playoff berth.