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Padres’ Walker Buehler decision comes down to how much of his comeback they believe

The Padres helped Walker Buehler rebuild his value. Now they must decide how much to spend keeping him without shortchanging the rest of the roster.

By Tremayne Person · Friars on Base

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 12:45 AM

Key Things to Know

Tremayne Person argues the Padres must set clear contract limits when deciding whether to re-sign Walker Buehler.
Walker Buehler is entering free agency after making 32 starts and pitching 153 2/3 innings in 2026.
The writer highlights that Buehler averaged roughly 4.8 innings per start, straining the Padres' relief corps.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Tremayne Person of Friars on Base argues that the San Diego Padres must carefully weigh Walker Buehler's comeback before offering him a multiyear contract in free agency. Buehler completed his largest workload since 2021 by logging 32 starts and 153 2/3 innings, lowering his ERA to 4.63 and his WHIP to 1.35.

However, Person emphasizes that Buehler averaged under five innings per start, placing significant strain on the bullpen. The writer suggests the Padres set a strict financial limit on any potential free-agent reunion and prioritize targeting starting pitchers capable of pitching deeper into games.

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Padres’ Walker Buehler decision comes down to how much of his comeback they believe

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