Overview
- King opted for a $3.75 million buyout rather than a $15 million salary for next season under the mutual option.
- San Diego has until Thursday to extend a $22.05 million qualifying offer, which could return a post–fourth-round pick if he declines due to their luxury-tax status.
- After a breakout 2024 with a 2.95 ERA over 173 2/3 innings and a seventh-place NL Cy Young finish, King’s 2025 was limited by shoulder nerve and knee issues.
- MLB.com lists King with a 3.44 ERA in 15 starts this year, while MLB Trade Rumors notes his late-season struggles following the injury.
- Analysts expect him to draw multi-year bids, with MLB Trade Rumors calculating he needs to top roughly $11.25 million and The Athletic projecting a potential three-year, $75 million deal.