Padres Hit Jackpot With Under-The-Radar Offseason Additions The San Diego Padres secured two unexpected spring additions in Walker Buehler and Ty France, both of whom have earned spots on the team’s Opening Day roster. These signings highlight the strategic acumen of President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller, who has built a reputation for identifying undervalued talent. While Preller’s high-profile trades, such as acquiring Juan Soto and Blake Snell, often dominate headlines, his ability to craft impactful deals with overlooked players has proven equally vital. Buehler and France exemplify this approach, as their contributions this spring have solidified their roles in the Padres’ 2026 season. Walker Buehler, a right-handed pitcher, signed a minor league deal with the Padres after being released by the Boston Red Sox in August 2025. During his time with the Red Sox, Buehler posted a 5.45 ERA, which led to his release. However, he rebounded by joining the Philadelphia Phillies for the remainder of the season, where he delivered a 0.66 ERA across 13.2 innings. Despite his strong performance, Buehler did not make the Phillies’ postseason roster. In free agency, he received big league offers but chose the Padres’ minor league deal instead. This decision paid off, as Buehler has since made a strong case for his place in the Padres’ starting rotation. During spring training, Buehler showcased his potential by striking out 16 batters in 15 innings. His standout performance came in a five-inning shutout against the San Francisco Giants, which bolstered confidence in his ability to contribute immediately. Manager Craig Stammen praised Buehler’s adaptability to the Padres’ philosophy, noting that the pitcher’s quick buy-in and recent success made the team feel “really comfortable” about his inclusion.#san_diego_padres #craig_stammen #walker_buehler #ty_france #a_j_preller
Padres' Walker Buehler Selected for Contract The San Diego Padres have officially selected Walker Buehler’s contract from Triple-A El Paso, marking his return to the major league roster. Manager Craig Stammen confirmed earlier in the week that Buehler had secured a spot on the team’s Opening Day rotation, and the move to activate his contract solidifies his place in the 2026 season’s starting lineup. The 31-year-old right-handed pitcher, who previously played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox, struggled during the 2025 season with a 4.93 earned run average and a 1.52 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) across 126 innings. His final spring training appearance highlighted his struggles, as he allowed seven earned runs in just 3.1 frames. Buehler’s performance last season raised concerns about his ability to contribute effectively in 2026. Despite his experience, his high ERA and WHIP figures suggested inconsistent command and effectiveness on the mound. The Padres’ decision to bring him up reflects confidence in his potential to improve, though the team has also acknowledged the need for him to perform quickly. If Buehler fails to show significant progress, he may face competition for the rotation’s remaining spots once key starters Joe Musgrove (elbow injury) and Griffin Canning (Achilles injury) return from the injured list. The Padres’ move to activate Buehler’s contract comes as part of their broader strategy to address pitching depth and prepare for the upcoming season. While his spring training performance was a cause for concern, the team’s decision to select his contract indicates they believe he can contribute to the rotation.#san_diego_padres #craig_stammen #walker_buehler #triple_a_el_paso #joe_musgrove
Nick Pivetta is, of course, the Padres' opening-day starter The San Diego Padres finalized their 2026 opening-day roster on Monday, becoming the final Major League Baseball team to name its starting pitcher. The decision was unsurprising, as Pivetta had been the team’s most reliable and dominant starter throughout the 2025 season. Manager Craig Stammen confirmed the choice, emphasizing Pivetta’s consistency and performance in the previous year. “He was our best pitcher throughout the whole entire last season, was our No. 1 starter when we took on the Cubs in the Wild Card Series,” Stammen said. “He has pitched great in spring training, and he deserves to get the opening-day nod.” Pivetta, a 33-year-old right-hander, will make his debut as an opening-day starter when the Padres face the Detroit Tigers on April 4. The game will feature a matchup against Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, a two-time American League Cy Young Award winner. For Pivetta, the opportunity marks a significant milestone in his career. “You just kind of look at the guys that have gotten opening days in the past that I played with, they’re all great pitchers, great human beings,” Pivetta said. “So it’s just an honor to be able to get that. And hopefully I can just start off with a good start. … It’s always fun to have firsts in the big leagues. This is another one. I’m excited for it.” Pivetta’s 2025 season solidified his status as the Padres’ rotation anchor. He led the team in innings pitched (181⅔) and ranked among the league leaders in several key categories. His 2.87 ERA placed him tied for ninth among starting pitchers, while his 0.98 WHIP (walks per inning) ranked fifth. He also finished 13th in strikeout percentage (26.4%) and 18th in innings pitched.#tarik_skubal #san_diego_padres #nick_pivetta #craig_stammen #michael_king
