Right-handed starter Michael King has declined the player option on his contract with the Padres to become a free agent, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand on Thursday morning. The club has not confirmed the news on King, who will now become one of the top arms on the market entering his age-32 season.
King was durable and productive in 2026, posting a 3.21 ERA across 32 starts to accrue a career-high 4.3 Baseball-Reference WAR. He also left a lasting mark during the Padres’ run to the National League Division Series.
King made two starts, allowing just one run in 12 innings with 14 strikeouts. He then came out of the bullpen to earn the save in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Brewers, finishing two scoreless frames.
A headlining piece in the trade that sent Juan Soto from San Diego to the Yankees ahead of the 2024 season, King has pitched well for the majority of his career. He owns a 3.23 career ERA, including a 3.15 mark in 78 games (77 starts) as a Padre.
King returned to San Diego this season on a three-year, $75 million deal that featured opt-outs after each of the first two seasons. He earned a $12 million signing bonus with a $5 million salary in 2026. A $5 million buyout will come into play now that he has opted out.
For the Padres, King’s potential departure leaves myriad holes in the rotation. The only guarantee to return in 2027 is Randy Vásquez. There is a club option on Nick Pivetta’s contract, while Walker Buehler, Robbie Ray, Casey Mize and Lucas Giolito are free agents. Yu Darvish is still mulling retirement, while Joe Musgrove’s future role is uncertain.