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18h ago

Padres Re-Sign Michael King to Three-Year, $75 Million Deal With Early Opt-Outs

Analysts call the deal player-friendly, a dynamic that could jolt a sluggish starter market.

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: Ranger Suárez #55 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning in game three of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 08, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The contract includes opt-outs after each of the first two seasons, with a reported $22 million in year one.
  • ESPN’s Bradford Doolittle graded the move a C+ for San Diego, citing the player-friendly structure.
  • San Diego views King as a rotation stabilizer alongside Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove with Yu Darvish expected to miss next season.
  • King declined a qualifying offer after an injury-affected 2025 that featured a shoulder nerve issue and knee pain, limiting him to 15 starts with a 3.44 ERA.
  • Reporters say the agreement could spur movement for remaining starters such as Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, Zac Gallen and NPB’s Tatsuya Imai, whose posting window closes Jan. 2.