Overview
- The agreement, first reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, guarantees a $12 million signing bonus, a $5 million 2026 salary, a 2027 player option at $28 million with a $5 million buyout, and a 2028 player option at $30 million.
- King holds opt-outs after 2026 and 2027, making the deal effectively $22 million for one year, $45 million over two, or $75 million across three if he stays.
- Several clubs had shown interest — including the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, Cubs and Mets — before King chose to return to San Diego.
- The Yankees did not submit an offer and “have other targets,” according to Jon Heyman, as the signing removes a top starter from the market.
- King was limited by shoulder and knee issues in 2025 (3.44 ERA in 73 1/3 innings) after a standout 2024 campaign, and his return helps San Diego counter losses such as Dylan Cease and Robert Suárez; separately, Alex Bregman opted out of his Red Sox deal and is expected to seek a six-year contract, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.