In a dramatic move that marks the beginning of the 2025-26 MLB offseason, right-handed pitcher Michael King and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a three-year contract for $75 million, keeping the hard-throwing starter in San Diego and anchoring the team’s rotation for the coming seasons. 

The agreement is designed to give both King and the Padres flexibility and stability in an ever-changing free agent market. While the Friars’ total commitment of $75 million is large, the inclusion of player opt-outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons demonstrates how modern baseball contracts are changing to balance risk and profit for both sides.

Understanding the Contract Structure

The financial breakdown of King’s new deal helps illustrate why this agreement is both intriguing and strategically smart for San Diego:

Signing Bonus: $12 million, spread over the duration of the contract.

2026 Salary: $5 million.

2027 Player Option: $28 million (with a $5 million buyout if King declines).

2028 Player Option: $30 million (no buyout).

Depending on how long King stays under the contract, the arrangement can last one, two, or three seasons, with a maximum payout of $75 million if all options are exercised. 

This sophisticated structure allows King to bet on himself; if he pitches at an exceptional level, he has the option to re-enter free agency early for a more lucrative contract later on. At the same time, the Padres control their payroll and have the flexibility to change their squad around his salary commitments.

Why the Padres Made the Move

King’s stay in San Diego has been a roller coaster of opportunity and adversity. After being acquired from the New York Yankees in the blockbuster transaction that brought Juan Soto to New York in December 2023, King rapidly established himself as a frontline starter. In 2024, he made a career-high 30 starts, pitched 173⅔ innings, had a 2.95 ERA, and struck out 201 hitters, finishing ninth in the NL Cy Young Award votes. 

Despite missing time in 2025 due to nerve issues in his shoulder and knee discomfort, he maintained a 5-3 record with a 3.44 ERA and 76 strikeouts over 73⅓ innings.

Retaining King was a top goal for the Padres, who have had a lot of roster churn and free agent departures. With other rotation pieces departing and needs appearing around the club, establishing the top of the pitching staff early in the offseason provides a good platform on which to build.

What This Means for the Padres

King is anticipated to be the Padres’ No. 1 starter in 2026, a role that comes with both potential and pressure. San Diego has been constantly remaking its team through free agency and trades, and King’s signing provides the organization with a dependable, front-line arm at a time when quality pitching is in short supply throughout the league. 

The contract also conveys a bigger statement about the Padres’ intentions: they will not remain on the sidelines. This offseason has been relatively quiet thus far, but bringing back King keeps San Diego competitive in the National League West, a division that has frequently produced playoff candidates.

Player Perspective: Why King Stayed

From King’s perspective, the contract provides stability and a path back to free agency if he continues to flourish. After refusing a one-year qualifying offer earlier this winter, King explored the free agent market while plainly prioritizing stability with a club he knows well. 

At 30, King is entering what many consider to be the peak of a pitcher’s career. Staying in San Diego, where he has developed roots and is familiar with the coaching staff and teammates, could be a great setting for him to continue his development as a starter.

Looking Ahead

As the Padres move forward with King locked in, it’s unclear how they’ll address other rotation openings and bolster their offense. However, this early offseason acquisition provides fans faith that San Diego is dedicated to contending, and that Michael King will play a key role in those plans.

Whether he remains for the full three years or opts out to pursue a bigger deal, one thing is certain: this is a signing that will determine the Padres’ future — and one that might pay out for years to come.