Padres Fans Divided: Will Walker Buehler’s Role in the Rotation Spark a Season Turnaround?

Walker Buehler — now there’s a name that stirs all kinds of emotions among San Diego Padres fans. You can’t talk baseball around here without acknowledging the impact the two-time World Series champ and two-time All-Star had during his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers. From his debut in 2017 through the 2025 season, Buehler was not just the ace on the mound but also the face of the fierce rivalry between the Dodgers and Padres. His recent journey? Well, it’s taken a twist that’s rich with drama: after a rocky stint with the Boston Red Sox, capped off by a mid-season release, Buehler bounced back impressively with Philadelphia before ultimately landing a minor league deal with the Padres—right here at home. Now, seeing him in brown and gold might feel strange — heck, jarring — but this is a story about redemption, competition, and the complicated dance of baseball loyalties. Does this mean that Friar faithful should root for the same pitcher who dominated against them for years? That very question has us buzzing, and you’re invited to weigh in via our Padres Reacts Survey. This isn’t just any signing; it’s a full-blown chapter in the Padres-Dodgers saga, one that’s about to unfold in real time. LEARN MORE