**Walker Buehler Declines Offer From Athletics Amid Minor-League Stadium Transition**

The Oakland Athletics are preparing for a significant shift as they'll spend the next three seasons playing their home games at Sutter Health Park, a minor-league stadium in Sacramento. Among the players who have decided to pass on joining the A's roster under these circumstances is right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler.

Athletics manager Mark Kotsay revealed during his appearance at the USC SBA Sports Business Summit that the club had reached out to Buehler, but he expressed no interest in playing in Sacramento, according to USC student journalist Kasey Kazliner. This decision isn't entirely surprising given the changes the A's are facing with this temporary relocation.

Buehler, 30, had a challenging season, recording a 5.38 ERA and a 2.29 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Despite his regular-season struggles, he demonstrated his capabilities by playing a pivotal role in the postseason, including throwing the title-clinching pitch in Game 5 of the World Series. CBS Sports has ranked him as the 26th-best free agent this offseason.

Comparisons have been made between Buehler and Luis Severino – both once-promising right-handers who have faced injury setbacks and had disappointing recent seasons. Despite Buehler's recent performance, pitch-grading models praise his arsenal, estimating that he has three or four above-average pitches.

It’s understandable why Buehler and others might not be keen on the Athletics' situation. Previous reports indicate that players with choices are unlikely to be attracted to playing major-league games in a minor-league park, even though the A's aim to raise their payroll this winter. The A's potential signings will likely be limited to those seeking opportunities at the big-league level or specific roles that a less competitive team can offer.

As enhancements are made to Sutter Health Park, it remains to be seen how it will compare to traditional MLB stadiums. For now, the Athletics face the challenge of building a competitive roster with limited appeal to top free-agent talent.