Overview
- King’s contract with San Diego is for three years and $75 million with opt-outs after the first two seasons and a $12 million signing bonus.
- The Yankees did not make an offer to bring back King, per multiple reports, even as injuries to Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt are expected to sideline them at the start of 2026.
- The Mets, who were linked to King, are pursuing a frontline starter and a middle‑order bat through free agency and trades, according to rival executives.
- New York’s NL club has already bolstered late innings by adding closer Devin Williams and right‑hander Luke Weaver as it continues to seek rotation upgrades.
- Reporting points to alternatives under consideration such as Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez and several mid‑tier free agents, plus trade targets like Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta, with analysts noting King’s deal could influence pricing for remaining starters.