Buehler, who pitched for the Dodgers from 2017-24 and missed the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery, joined Boston after leaving Los Angeles but was released midway through the season. He finished 2025 with Philadelphia, posting a 0.66 ERA in three appearances.
The Padres, who have lost several pitchers this offseason, are giving Buehler a chance to re-establish himself as a proven MLB starter in 2026.