Michael King

Michael King re-signed with the Padres on a three-year, $75 million deal with two opt outs.

Fantasy Impact

King is scheduled to make $22 million if he opts out after 2026 or $45 million if he opts out after 2027 as part of the contract. It had been thought he would head to a new team in free agency, but he'll instead head back to the Padres as part of a backloaded deal. King was limited to 15 starts this past season due to shoulder and knee issues, but he posted a 3.44 ERA across the starts he made.

Michael King is reportedly down to the Orioles, Red Sox, and Yankees in free agency.

Fantasy Impact

Despite an injury-plagued 2025, King is one of the top arms in the current free agent class and looks to be zoning in on the AL East for his next home. Regardless of where he lands, he will be one of the best sources of strikeouts in the league in 2026.

Michael King has declined the one-year qualifying offer from the Padres.

Fantasy Impact

King had an injury plagued season in 2025, registering just 15 starts for the Padres. If King chooses to sign with another team, the Padres would receive a draft pick in compensation.

The San Diego Padres extended a one-year, $22.05 million qualifying offer to starting pitcher Michael King on Thursday. The 30-year-old right-hander is expected to decline the offer in pursuit of a multi-year deal on the free-agent market.

Fantasy Impact

King is likely to have plenty of suitors this offseason after posting a 3.44 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over 73.1 innings pitched in 2025. If King signs with another organization, the Padres will receive a compensatory draft pick.

Padres SP Michael King has declined his portion of the mutual option in his contract.

Fantasy Impact

King will be set to test the free agency market that begins in a few days. The 30-year-old ended the 2025 season with a 5-3 record, 3.44 ERA, and a 1.20 WHIP in 15 games.