SAN DIEGO -- Per MLB.
SAN DIEGO -- Per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, The San Diego Padres and right-handed starter Michael King came to terms on a new three-year deal to keep the ace in America's Finest City through at least the 2027 season. The $75 million pact includes a pair of opt outs.
King's deal is for three years and $75M, per source. Includes a $12M signing bonus, then salaries of $5M in 2026, $28M player option in 2027 ($5M buyout), and a $30M player option in 2028 (no buyout).
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 19, 2025
So it will either be worth $22M for one year, $45M for two or $75M for three.
King, 30, has been an integral part of the Friars' starting rotation over the past two seasons after being acquired in the mega-deal that sent outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Yankees in December 2023. He pitched to a 2.95 ERA with 201 strikeouts in 2024 after transitioning into a full-time starter, but missed the majority of the 2025 season due to inflammation in his right shoulder.
It's been reported over the last few days that A.J. Preller and his staff have been working on multiple fronts in both the free agent and trade markets for high-end starting pitching. For now, it seems San Diego has their no. 1 heading into 2026.
Story will be updated.
Category: General Sports
