Walker Buehler Signs Minor-League Deal with Padres: Aiming for MLB Comeback

Former World Series star Walker Buehler is poised for a comeback in Major League Baseball, having inked a minor-league contract with the San Diego Padres. The 31-year-old right-handed pitcher will look to secure a spot in the Padres’ starting rotation during spring training, as reported by the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Buehler’s Competition for a Spot

As he gears up for the upcoming season, Buehler faces stiff competition. The Padres currently have several pitchers vying for potentially one open spot in their rotation, including:

• Triston McKenzie
• Matt Waldron
• Germán Márquez
• JP Sears
• Marco Gonzales

This scenario sets the stage for an intense battle, making Buehler’s performance in spring training critical for his aspirations of returning to the MLB in a starting role.

Return to the NL West

Buehler’s recent move back to the National League West, a division where he previously thrived with the Los Angeles Dodgers for seven seasons, marks a return to familiarity. With the Dodgers, Buehler earned two World Series championships in 2020 and 2024, establishing himself as a premier pitcher. However, the past few seasons have not been kind to him, as injuries and performance issues have plagued his career.

After undergoing a second Tommy John surgery in 2023, Buehler missed the entire season and has struggled to regain form since his return. His tenure with the Boston Red Sox in 2025 saw him demoted to the bullpen and ultimately released.

Recent Performance Stats

• 2025 Season
  • Teams: Boston Red Sox, Triple-A Lehigh Valley
  • Total Games: 3 starts (1 for Triple-A)
  • ERA: 4.94

Buehler expressed his disappointment after the demotion, stating, “It’s obviously disappointing… but at the end of the day, it gives me an opportunity to kind of reset in some ways.”

Career Highlights

Despite recent challenges, Buehler boasts a remarkable career that includes:

• Top-10 finishes in Cy Young voting twice
• Three seasons with over 23 starts each
• Key performances in postseason, including:
  • Five shutout innings in Game 3 of the 2024 World Series
  • Clutch pitching in Game 3 of the NLCS against the Mets

Looking Ahead

With the Padres looking to bolster their rotation, Walker Buehler’s future could take a significant turn if he can revisit the form that made him an ace. His upcoming performance in training camps will be pivotal, determining whether he can reclaim a spot in the MLB and add to his legacy.

For more information on Walker Buehler’s career and MLB updates, visit MLB.com and ESPN.

Conclusion

As the baseball season approaches, all eyes will be on Buehler as he strives to navigate the competitive landscape of the Padres’ pitching staff. His journey back to the MLB is one of resilience and determination, reminding fans that the road to success is often filled with both challenges and opportunities.