After an injury-plagued 2025 season, Michael King will continue his baseball career in San Diego.
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, The Padres have agreed to a three-year, $75 million contract with the
right-hander. The terms include opt-outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
King was 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 15 starts last season. He had two stints on the injury list with a pinched nerve in his right shoulder and knee inflammation that limited him to 73.1 innings pitched. Following the Friars’ wild-card exit in the 2025 postseason, King opted out of his contract.
Drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 12th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He spent two seasons in their minor league system before being traded to the New York Yankees. King made his major league debut in 2019 and quickly became a mainstay in the Yankees’ bullpen.
The righty spent five seasons in pinstripes before being dealt to the Padres in the Juan Soto trade.
In two seasons in San Diego, King is 18-10 with a 3.10 ERA in 45 starts. He is expected to anchor the 2026 starting rotation as the No. 1 starter.
