Michael King Reportedly Opts Out of Final 2 Years, $58M of Padres Contract, Buyout Details Revealed

After re-signing with the San Diego Padres on a three-year deal last offseason, starting pitcher Michael King will be searching for a new home this winter.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post and MLB Network reported on Thursday that King has declined the final two years and $58 million remaining on his deal with the Padres and will become a free agent after receiving a $5 million buyout.

ESPN's Jeff Passan previously reported that King would be one of the top starters in free agency if he opted out, so he could be in line for a significant payday.

1 Player Every Team Must Re-Sign in Free Agency 💰

The Padres originally acquired King from the New York Yankees prior to the 2024 season as part of the Juan Soto blockbuster trade. After primarily serving as a reliever for the first five years of his career, he transitioned to being a full-time starter upon his arrival to San Diego, and he quickly became one of the team's most reliable pitchers.

After finishing his first year with the Padres with a 13-9 record, a 2.95 ERA and a career-high 201 strikeouts across 31 appearances with 30 starts, King was limited to just 15 starts in 2025 due to various injuries. He bounced back nicely this season, starting all 32 of his appearances and finishing with a 12-10 record, a 3.21 ERA and 159 strikeouts.

With King leading the rotation, the Padres went 91-71 this season and earned a wild-card spot before losing to the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS. He made three appearances (two starts) during the postseason, allowing one run on five hits with 15 strikeouts in 14.0 innings.

Losing King to the open market would hurt San Diego's chances of remaining competitive against the elite teams in the NL if he signs elsewhere, but the 31-year-old will likely have a ton of suitors before he cashes in this offseason in a major way.