Walker Buehler, who pitched for the Dodgers from 2017-24, missed the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery. After turning down a $20 million offer from Los Angeles, he joined the Red Sox but was released mid-season before finishing 2025 with the Phillies.
The Padres, dealing with pitching losses this offseason, hope Buehler can re-establish himself as a proven starter. Buehler had a 3.27 ERA with the Dodgers but struggled with Boston (5.45 ERA) before improving with Philadelphia (0.66 ERA).