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Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The Frair Faithful have spoken and are willing to let bygones be bygones.
The overwhelming majority of respondents to this week’s Padres Reacts Survey on Gaslamp Ball stated they are rooting for Walker Buehler, the former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, to make the roster and rotation in San Diego.
Manny Machado said recently when the Padres added Nick Castellanos to the roster that the team was getting a $20 million player for the league minimum. The same could be said for Buehler although he will make a bit more than the league minimum if he makes the San Diego roster.
Buehler signed a one-year free agent deal with the Boston Red Sox prior to the 2025 season that paid him $21.05 million for the season. He did not make it through 162 games with Boston and was released on Aug. 29. He was then signed for the league minimum by the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 31 and finished the season in Philly.
The right-hander agreed to a minor league deal with San Diego that did not guarantee him a roster spot. However, if Buehler can secure a rotation role and break camp with the Padres, he would make $1.5 million in 2026 and could receive $2.5 million in performance bonuses. Those contract numbers are not bad for a two-time World Series champion and a two-time All-Star.
If Buehler can return to that kind of pitcher, he should have no problem breaking into the San Diego rotation and quickly receiving adoration from the Friar Faithful.