Dodgers Ace Walker Buehler Joins Rival Padres

Veteran pitcher looks to revive career in new NL West home

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:36am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted earth tones, representing the shift in Buehler's career as he moves from the Dodgers to the Padres.A new chapter begins as veteran pitcher Walker Buehler leaves the Dodgers for a fresh start with the Padres, bringing his talent and experience to a division rival.San Diego Today

Veteran right-hander Walker Buehler has signed with the San Diego Padres, leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers after seven seasons. Buehler, a 31-year-old former All-Star, is looking to bounce back from injury-plagued campaigns with the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. Despite his recent struggles, Buehler has a strong track record of success against the Padres, going 7-1 with a 1.67 ERA in 13 career starts.

Why it matters

Buehler's move to the Padres is a significant shift in the NL West power dynamic, as the longtime Dodgers ace now joins one of their division rivals. The Padres have been active this offseason, adding several key pieces, and Buehler's arrival further strengthens their rotation as they aim to return to the playoffs.

The details

After missing the entire 2023 season and significant parts of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, Buehler is looking to regain the form that made him an All-Star with the Dodgers. He spent the 2025 season split between the Red Sox and Phillies, struggling in Boston but finding more success in Philadelphia. Buehler is eager to prove himself and compete for a spot in the Padres' rotation, which includes established pitchers like Randy Vásquez, JP Sears, Germán Márquez, and Griffin Canning.

  • Buehler signed with the Padres during the 2026 offseason.
  • He missed the entire 2023 season and significant parts of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery.
  • Buehler spent the 2025 season split between the Red Sox and Phillies.

The players

Walker Buehler

A 31-year-old right-handed pitcher who spent the first seven seasons of his MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers before signing with the San Diego Padres in the 2026 offseason.

A.J. Preller

The general manager of the San Diego Padres, who has overseen the team's recent offseason spending spree, including the signing of Buehler.

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What they’re saying

“It feels a little weird, but I'm excited for the fresh start and the chance to prove myself with the Padres.”

— Walker Buehler

What’s next

Buehler will compete for a spot in the Padres' starting rotation during spring training, looking to regain the form that made him an All-Star with the Dodgers.

The takeaway

Buehler's move to the Padres represents a significant shift in the NL West power dynamic, as the longtime Dodgers ace joins one of their division rivals. The Padres have been active this offseason, and Buehler's arrival further strengthens their rotation as they aim to return to the playoffs.