Buehler, who pitched for the Dodgers from 2017-24, missed the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery. After leaving L.A., he had a 5.45 ERA with Boston before being released and finishing with Philadelphia, where he posted a 0.66 ERA in three appearances.
The Padres, facing pitching losses this offseason, see Buehler as an opportunity to add to their rotation as he seeks to re-establish himself as a proven starter in 2026.