The San Diego Padres have been in the market for more starting pitching help this winter after losing Dylan Cease to the Toronto Blue Jays.
While the Padres weren't expected to spend big this winter, and with the starting pitching market being a sticky one after Cease's blockbuster deal, there was real concern the Padres couldn't land one of the top starters available.
But, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Padres have made a major commitment to their former pitcher Michael King. The right-hander is signing a three-year, $75 million deal that features some key opt-outs.
Padres sign Michael King to three-year, $75 million deal
"Breaking: Michael King has agreed to a three-year deal with the Padres, per source," Feinsand reports. "The deal includes player options for 2027 and 2028."
But this deal is a lot more than just a three-year deal with a couple of opt-outs. Feinsand followed up his report with the financials and some key information about the opt-outs and the deal overall.
"King's deal is for three years and $75M, per source," Feinsand reports. "Includes a $12 million singing bonus, then salaries of $5M in 2026, $28M player option in 2027 ($5M buyout), and a $30M player option in 2028 (no buyout). So it will either be worth $22M for one year, $45M for two, or $75M for three."
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This contract for King is a very fascinating one. Not only is it a reasonable contract for the 2026 season for the Padres, who are restricted in their payroll, but it's also a long-term deal worth $45 million through two seasons and $75 million through three seasons.
If King performs great in 2026, then he can opt out and try again in free agency. But, if he struggles or doesn't think he can land a strong offer next offseason, he can opt in to his $28 million contract for the 2027 season.
It's a very fascinating contract between the Padres and King, as the 3.44 ERA righty who's 30 years old is taking a chance on himself, while also having some key insurance for the next few seasons if 2026 doesn't go well.
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