Michael King is making his way back to the San Diego Padres, with the decision of how long he stays being entirely his choice.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the standout pitcher has signed a three-year, $75 million contract with the Padres during free agency. The agreement reportedly includes a $12 million signing bonus, a $5 million salary for 2026, a $28 million player option for 2027 (with a $5 million buyout), and a $30 million player option for 2028.
This could effectively translate to a one-year deal worth $22 million, a two-year contract at $45 million, or a full three-year commitment totaling $75 million. King’s future with the team largely hinges on whether his performance justifies testing free agency again.
Yahoo Sports ranked King as the 19th-best free agent this offseason.
After a stellar 2024 season, where he posted a 2.95 ERA and recorded 200 strikeouts over 173 2/3 innings, King was anticipated to secure a much bigger contract. The Padres acquired him in the trade for Juan Soto and transitioned him into a full-time starter—a move that paid off well.
However, King’s 2025 season proved challenging. He dealt with shoulder inflammation in May, made his first start only in August, then landed on the disabled list again with a knee injury, finishing with a total of just 73 1/3 innings pitched during his contract year.
MLB teams might have been hesitant to commit long-term funds to a pitcher turning 31 in May, especially one who has only one full season as a starter under his belt, despite his strong performance.
King’s return is a significant boost for the Padres, who face considerable uncertainty in their rotation behind ace Nick Pivetta. Leading pitcher Dylan Cease has already departed, signing a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Yu Darvish will miss the entire 2026 season due to elbow surgery. Joe Musgrove is returning from Tommy John surgery but might not fully recover for a full season. Randy Vazquez’s 2025 stats appear solid superficially but suggest a likely regression that doesn’t meet San Diego’s standards.
Options beyond this group are limited, creating many questions for a team still aiming to compete against the two-time defending champion Los Angeles . Even if King’s deal only lasts one more year, it provides the Padres with a key pitcher they desperately need.
Fan Take: This signing is a crucial move for the Padres as they try to solidify their pitching rotation amid numerous uncertainties. For baseball fans, King’s contract highlights the ongoing challenges teams face balancing performance, injuries, and contract risks in today’s competitive landscape.
