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
Ty France, Walker Buehler on 2026 Padres Roster The San Diego Padres have finalized key additions to their 2026 roster, with Ty France and Walker Buehler securing spots on the major league team. Both players were notified of their inclusion ahead of potential opt-outs from their minor league contracts, with France set to serve as an infield backup and Buehler expected to contribute to the season-opening rotation. The decisions come as the Padres prepare for their opening series against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park. Buehler, a former All-Star pitcher, will be part of the rotation despite a decline in performance since his 2022 Tommy John surgery. Over the past two seasons, he posted a 4.93 ERA across stints with the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. However, the Padres believe he can regain his former effectiveness by refining his approach, including adjusting his pitch mix to reduce reliance on fastballs. Manager Craig Stammen highlighted Buehler’s commitment to the team’s philosophy, noting that his recent success in spring training has bolstered confidence in his ability to contribute. France, a 2025 American League Gold Glove Award winner, will provide defensive flexibility at multiple infield positions. His strong spring performance, including a .318 batting average and a .912 OPS, has solidified his role as a backup. The Padres, who already have right-handed corner bats in Miguel Andujar and Nick Castellanos, see France’s defensive skills as a key asset. Stammen emphasized France’s value as a reliable defensive replacement and his potential to pinch-hit in high-leverage situations. The Padres’ rotation will include Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Randy Vásquez, with German Márquez as the likely fourth starter.#san_diego_padres #miguel_andujar #walker_buehler #ty_france #nick_castellanos
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
