Buehlers Rocky Road: Former World Series Hero Struggles in San Diego

The transformation has been stark and painful to watch. Walker Buehler, who delivered the final three outs of the 2024 World Series to secure the Los Angeles Dodgers their championship, now finds himself battling for basic roster survival with the San Diego Padres.

Buehlers tumultuous 2025 season began with promise when he inked a lucrative $21 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. However, that partnership quickly soured as the veteran right-hander posted a concerning 5.45 ERA across 23 appearances. The Red Sox ultimately cut ties in late August, releasing a pitcher who had once finished third in Cy Young voting.

A brief stint with the Philadelphia Phillies provided a glimmer of hope, with Buehler posting an impressive 0.66 ERA over three outings. But that small sample size could not mask the larger concerns about his effectiveness at the highest level.

Entering 2026, the Padres offered Buehler a lifeline in the form of a minor league contract. San Diego desperately needed starting pitching depth, and despite his recent struggles, Buehlers championship pedigree made him an intriguing low-risk gamble. He managed to earn a rotation spot out of spring training, but his early season performances suggest those struggles were not just a phase.

Through two starts this season, Buehler has managed just 6.2 innings of work while surrendering seven earned runs. His command issues are evident, with five walks already issued alongside eight hits allowed. For a pitcher who once struck out over 200 batters in consecutive seasons, these numbers represent a troubling decline.

The 31-year-old career arc tells the story of both brilliance and adversity. Drafted 24th overall by the Dodgers in 2015, Buehler quickly established himself as a cornerstone of their rotation. His breakout 2018 campaign showcased his elite potential, with a 2.62 ERA and 151 strikeouts across 137 innings.

Buehler reached his peak in 2021, posting a career-high 7.1 bWAR while earning his second All-Star selection. He was the type of pitcher who thrived in October, consistently delivering clutch performances when the lights shone brightest.

Injury derailed his 2023 season entirely, and his 2024 return featured a troubling 5.38 ERA during the regular season. Yet somehow, when it mattered most, Buehler summoned his championship mettle to close out the World Series victory.

Now, with an NL West rival, Buehler faces the harsh reality that past accomplishments cannot guarantee future opportunities. His current struggles raise questions about whether arm troubles or simply the natural aging process have caught up with a pitcher who once seemed destined for sustained excellence.

The Padres invested minimally in Buehler, but their patience may be wearing thin. With younger arms pushing for opportunities and established veterans available, Buehlers window to prove he still belongs at baseballs highest level continues to narrow.

For a pitcher who once delivered championships, the current chapter represents perhaps his greatest challenge yet.