Walker Buehler Signs With San Diego Padres After Successful Tenure With Rival Dodgers

Former Dodgers ace Walker Buehler has signed with the San Diego Padres, marking a significant shift in the NL West rivalry.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 18, 2026, 4:28 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from NBC Sports

A Significant Shift in the NL West

Walker Buehler’s decision to sign with the San Diego Padres represents one of the most impactful moves of the current off season. For years, Buehler was a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching staff, known for his postseason heroics and high velocity strikeout ability. By moving to the Padres, he joins a growing list of stars who have defected to San Diego in hopes of toppling the Dodgers' dominance in the division. This signing not only bolsters the Padres' starting depth but also serves as a major psychological boost for a franchise hungry for a championship.

Recovering Form and Postseason Pedigree

The Padres are betting on Buehler’s ability to return to his elite form following recent injury challenges. While his final seasons in Los Angeles were hampered by health concerns, his performance during the 2024 postseason proved he still possesses the "big game" temperament required for October baseball. San Diego’s training staff will likely focus on a specialized program to ensure his durability throughout 2026. If healthy, Buehler provides the Padres with a formidable top of the rotation starter who understands the pressures of pitching in high stakes divisional matchups.

Emotional Return to Los Angeles

The upcoming 2026 schedule will be highlighted by Buehler’s first return to Dodger Stadium in a Padres uniform. Having been a fan favorite in Los Angeles for nearly a decade, his departure creates a complex dynamic for the rivalry. For the Dodgers, losing a key veteran to their closest geographical competitor is a significant blow to their rotation stability. For Buehler, the move offers a fresh start and the chance to lead a new clubhouse toward a World Series. Fans on both sides are already circling the calendar for the first time he takes the mound against his former club.