BREAKING: The San Diego Padres have officially signed right-hander Michael King to a three-year, $75 million contract, as confirmed by ESPN’s Jeff Passan earlier today. The deal includes opt-out clauses after the 2026 and 2027 seasons, marking a significant commitment from the Padres as they bolster their pitching lineup.
This deal comes as King, who turned 30 this year, faces challenges following an injury-plagued season. In 2025, he managed only 15 starts, struggling with a knee injury and a nerve issue in his right shoulder. Despite these setbacks, King posted a solid record of 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA and 76 strikeouts over 73.1 innings pitched.
King’s previous season with the Padres was promising, where he showcased his potential with a 3.9 WAR and a remarkable 2.95 ERA across 30 starts in 2024. That performance earned him a seventh-place finish in the Cy Young Award voting, underlining his ability to excel when healthy.
However, the upcoming seasons will be crucial for King, especially considering the decline in performance of his four-seam fastball, which saw a dramatic increase in damage allowed—from a .402 slugging percentage in 2024 to an alarming .814 in 2025.
The Padres tendered a $22.025 million qualifying offer to King, which he declined before the November 18 deadline, indicating his desire for a long-term commitment from the organization. King spent his first five MLB seasons with the New York Yankees, amassing a career record of 31-29 with a 3.24 ERA and 559 strikeouts.
As the Padres strengthen their roster, fans are eager to see if King can return to his previous form and help lead the team in the upcoming seasons. The implications of this signing will be closely monitored as it could significantly impact the Padres’ performance in the competitive MLB landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
