Former Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion Walker Buehler admitted how weird it is to have signed with one of their biggest rivals, the San Diego Padres.
In a recent interview with the San Diego media, Buehler admitted it is weird to don Padres colors after starting and spending most of his career as a Dodger.
“Yeah, it feels a little weird,” Buehler said. “I imagine 5 years ago, it would’ve been a lot more weird. But this is a crazy game, and this is a great opportunity for me to again be part of a really talented baseball club.”
Buehler signed a minor league deal with San Diego after a rocky 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies. He is coming off a tough season, but he will look to bounce back in a big way with the Frairs.
Can Walker Buehler Rewrite His Career With the Padres?
Buehler had a rough 2024 season with the Dodgers. Although that was the case, he proved to be key as he closed out the 2024 World Series to help L.A. capture its eighth title in franchise history at the time.
However, after the 2024 season, which ended on a high note as a Dodger, Buehler took his talents elsewhere. The 31-year-old signed a one-year, $21 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.
He was unable to finish the season in Beantown. The Red Sox released Buehler after posting a 5.45 ERA in 112.1 innings over 22 starts and a relief appearance.
In the season, the two-time All-Star struggled mightily, recording a 4.93 ERA in 126 innings, 92 strikeouts, 84 ERA+, 5.66 FIP and 1.51 WHIP with a 10-7 record in 26 appearances.
Now, Buehler will enter a new chapter in his career. The former first-round draft pick is hopeful to earn a spot in the rotation despite signing a minor league deal. Buehler is hopeful he can build off his stretch from late in the regular season.
“Getting the velocity back as well as the delivery has kind of been the big thing,” Buehler said. “The second half of last year was relatively successful compared to the first half. There’s obviously some stuff we want to build on there.”