The San Diego Padres surprised a lot of people when they were able to retain Michael King on a three-year, $75 million deal. However, this might not be as good as it seems.
According to Fansided’s Chris Landers, since King can opt out after the 2026 season, he probably will cut ties with the franchise and test free agency once again for a long-term deal, this time after a hopefully fully healthy season.
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“King just reupped with the Padres on a three-year, $75 million deal, but don't expect him to reach the end of it in San Diego. Said contract comes with an opt-out after year one, as King looks to rebuild his value following an injury-plagued 2025 season. When healthy, King is one of the better starters in baseball, and if he proves as much next year, he has every reason to hit the market again at age 31 and try to secure the long-term deal that eluded him this time around. Pitchers just make too much money right now to pass up another shot at free agency, while the cash-strapped Padres can't be swimming in those waters,” Rotman wrote.
This past season, King was riddled with injuries, but he still posted a 5-3 record, an ERA of 3.44, 76 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.200 over 76 innings pitched. In his fully healthy Cy Young candidate season the year prior, he finished with a 13-9 record, a 2.95 ERA, 201 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.192 over 173 innings pitched.
With this in mind, if King can produce another year like that, he would most likely opt out in search of a long-term deal, with an overall salary that has at least seven zeroes, but preferably eight.
The Padres can’t afford that. So, honestly, they have to hope he has another injured year, just not as much as 2025. Otherwise, he’ll opt out, and San Diego will need a new ace.
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