Michael King, a highly sought-after free agent starting pitcher, is returning to the San Diego Padres with a new three-year deal valued at $75 million, as reported by MLB.com. The contract includes opt-out options after the 2026 and 2027 seasons, and while the Padres have yet to formally announce the agreement, the salary structure is outlined as follows: $5 million salary plus a $12 million signing bonus in 2026, $28 million salary in 2027 with a $5 million buyout if King opts out, and $30 million salary in 2028 with no buyout clause if the opt-out is exercised.
King, 30, was part of the trade that brought Juan Soto to the Padres from the New York Yankees and has spent two seasons with San Diego. In 2024, he struck out 201 batters over 173 2/3 innings, maintained a 2.95 ERA, and ranked seventh in Cy Young Award voting. However, injuries to his shoulder and knee limited him to 73 1/3 innings and a 3.44 ERA in 2025. Ranked 17th among free agents and 6th among starting pitchers this offseason, King is recognized for his dynamic pitching style featuring both a lateral movement arsenal and a four-seam fastball, with injury risk being the primary concern. His adaptability extends through starting and relieving roles, including high-pressure multi-inning setups and postseason appearances.
Despite the Padres offering King a qualifying $22.025 million deal last month, he declined it. The Padres won’t lose or gain draft picks by re-signing him, and his market might have been affected by concerns over draft pick compensation, leading King to choose a shorter deal that secures the team’s pitching depth beyond 2026.
Fan Take: This signing is a significant boost for Padres fans who can expect King to be a pivotal part of the pitching staff moving forward. For baseball enthusiasts, King represents the modern, versatile pitcher—combining power and precision—whose health and performance will be key in shaping competitive seasons ahead.
