Walker Buehler Declines Opportunity with Athletics Amid Relocation to Minor-League Park

As the Oakland Athletics prepare to transition to playing their home games at a minor-league park in Sacramento for the 2025 season, right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler has made it clear he won't be joining them. During a speaking appearance at the USC SBA Sports Business Summit on Thursday night, Athletics manager Mark Kotsay confirmed that the club had reached out to Buehler, but the free-agent pitcher expressed no interest in playing in Sacramento, according to USC student journalist Kasey Kazliner.

Buehler, 30, is coming off a challenging season in which he posted a 5.38 ERA (72 ERA+) and a 2.29 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Despite his struggles during the regular season, Buehler redeemed himself in the postseason, throwing the title-clinching pitch in Game 5 of the World Series. His performance has earned him the 26th spot on CBS Sports' list of the top free agents available this winter.

Buehler's decline to join the Athletics isn't surprising. The pitcher, once likened to Luis Severino for his potential and injury-plagued career, still possesses a promising arsenal. Pitch-grading models suggest that Buehler has three or four above-average pitches, making him an attractive option for teams willing to offer a one-year deal worth around $15 million.

The Athletics' situation, on the other hand, presents a less appealing prospect for top-tier players. The team announced plans to raise payroll this winter, but playing home games at a minor-league stadium is a significant deterrent. As noted previously, their potential signings will likely be limited to players seeking an opportunity at the big-league level or those who are willing to accept a one-year deal despite the less-than-ideal circumstances.

The Athletics will play their home games at Sutter Health Park, home of the Triple-A River Cats, through the 2027 season. While enhancements are being made to the ballpark, it's unlikely to compare favorably to stadiums designed for MLB teams.

With Buehler's decision to explore other options, the Athletics will need to focus on attracting players who are motivated by the chance to play and develop at the major-league level, even if it means competing in a minor-league venue for the foreseeable future. The team’s journey ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but it’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability required in professional sports.

​Stay tuned for more updates on the Athletics' offseason moves and the future of their roster as they navigate this transitional period.