The San Diego Padres have informed Ty France and Walker Buehler that they have made the big-league roster ahead of potential opt-outs in their minor-league contracts. Both players signed deals early in camp and will join the team before Thursday's season opener against the Tigers at Petco Park. Buehler slots into the rotation, while France provides infield depth.
In Peoria, Ariz., the Padres' roster for the 2026 season is taking shape. Ty France and Walker Buehler, who signed minor-league contracts with opt-out clauses early in spring training, learned they earned spots on the 26-man roster. They will be added ahead of Thursday's opener against the Tigers at Petco Park, where single-game tickets for the 2026 season are now on sale. Buehler is set to contribute to the season-opening rotation, while France will back up in the infield. The Padres sought depth with these signings, both including invitations to big-league camp. Buehler, a standout pitcher in his first five MLB seasons, has struggled since 2022 Tommy John surgery, posting a 4.93 ERA last year split between Boston and Philadelphia. The Padres see potential for him to regain form by adjusting his pitch mix away from heavy fastball reliance. Manager Craig Stammen noted, “He bought into our philosophy and just kind of the overall holistic approach of making him a better pitcher. Him buying into that so quickly, then seeing success with it over the last couple starts -- it made us feel really comfortable with putting him on the team.” The rotation already includes Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Randy Vásquez, with Germán Márquez the frontrunner for the final spot. A four-man rotation early is possible due to off-days. Joe Musgrove (Tommy John), Griffin Canning (Achilles tear), and Matt Waldron (medical procedure) start on the IL. France ended spring batting .318 with a .912 OPS and won the 2025 AL Gold Glove. Despite recent additions like Miguel Andujar and Nick Castellanos, his defense at corner infield, second, and third base fits. Stammen added, “Ty’s a Gold Glover, so we can put somebody there that’s really comfortable with the position... Then, also, he has the ability to come in late in the game, if we want somebody to pinch-hit.” Utility man Sung-Mun Song's oblique strain opens a bench spot, with Bryce Johnson favored for center field backup. Bullpen and final bench spots remain undecided after Monday's last Cactus League game, with rosters set Thursday morning.