Why is a Dodgers Hero Playing for the Padres?
Los Angeles Dodgers fans have largely been shocked by longtime Dodger Walker Buehler’s move to the rival San Diego Padres. Buehler has admitted that the change has been “weird” for him as well, so how did a World Series hero end up here? Blame a rough year in Boston.
Buehler Struggled With the Red Sox After being a hero for the Boys in Blue in the 2024 World Series, Buehler passed on a $20 million offer to re-up with the Dodgers and instead headed to Boston on a one-year, $21 million deal . For the Red Sox, though, Buehler struggled on the mound. In 22 starts over an injury-shortened season, he notched a 5.45 ERA and WHIP of 1.558.
May 31, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Walker Buehler (0) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. He was released by the Red Sox , though he landed in Philadelphia and was much more productive there. In three appearances for the Phillies, he was the winning pitcher each time, with a much-reduced 0.66 ERA and lower WHIP of 1.171 as well.
A Fresh Start Back Out West Buehler didn’t pitch for the Phillies in the postseason, but his regular season performances drew some interest from other teams. He chose to sign with the San Diego Padres on a minor league deal, though he’s expected to compete for a spot in the Padres’ starting rotation.
The Padres lost several members of their pitching corps in the offseason, including Dylan Cease and Nestor Cortes to free agency and Yu Darvish to a season-ending injury.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation) Buehler told San Diego station 97.3 The Fan that the landing spot wasn’t something he thought possible during his 2017 to 2024 run with the Boys in Blue, but it’s the right spot for him and his career. “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.” While the proximity to Los Angeles may rankle some Dodgers fans, Buehler said he didn’t make the decision to return just for himself. “Obviously some familiarity with the division, and living in Southern California is something that my family and I are accustomed to,” Buehler said .
“A good opportunity to be a part of a really talented ballclub. Looking forward to seeing what we can make of it.” Los Angeles Dodgers fans have largely been shocked by longtime Dodger Walker Buehler's move to the rival San Diego Padres. Los Angeles Dodgers fans have largely been shocked by longtime Dodger Walker Buehler's move to the rival San Diego Padres.