In a moderately surprising maneuver for a team that seemed to be ramping down its spending, theSan Diego Padresare retaining pitcher Michael King on a three-year deal that could pay him $75 million,according to MLB.com.
King has opt-out clauses after the first and second years of the deal, the website reported, and will be guaranteed $22 million in the first season if he opts out. He's due $28 million in the second year of the deal and $30 million in 2028.
The contract's structure gives King, 30, the chance to hit the free agent market again next winter unencumbered by a qualifying offer. He'll be back for a third season with the Padres after they acquired him from theNew York Yankeesin the deal for Juan Soto.
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The Padres made the playoffs both seasons, though shoulder and knee injuries limited King to just 15 starts in 2025 and a one-inning appearance in the postseason. Still, he was stellar in 2024, posting a 2.95 ERA across 30 starts with 201 strikeouts in 173 innings.
That's the King the Padres hope to have in 2026 – though such a performance would likely send the right-hander back on the free agent market.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Michael King contract with Padres: What we know
