The Options Decisions Begin: Michael King Declines His Option and Hits Free Agency
Michael King turned down $58 million remaining on his Padres contract after a 12-10 season, positioning himself for a larger long-term deal.
- On Thursday, San Diego Padres RHP Michael King declined the final two years and $58 million remaining on his contract to become a free agent, receiving a $5 million buyout.
- King stabilized the San Diego rotation this season, starting all 32 appearances with a 3.21 ERA while the team finished 91-71 before losing to the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series.
- Originally acquired from the New York Yankees in the Juan Soto trade, King transitioned from reliever to starter and became a key rotation piece in California.
- By declining $58 million, King demonstrated confidence he can exceed that value on the open market, with The Athletic's Jim Bowden identifying the Padres and Mets as the best fits.
- While King expressed interest in remaining in San Diego, he is targeting a contract surpassing his $29 million annual average value, drawing attention from East Coast clubs including the Mets.
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Report: RHP Michael King opts out of Padres contract
Right-hander Michael King declined the player option on his contract with the San Diego Padres to become a free agent, MLB.com reported Thursday.King had two seasons remaining on a three-year, $75 million contract and held a player option for each of t...
The Options Decisions Begin: Michael King Declines His Option and Hits Free Agency
There aren’t a huge number of tough calls on the option front this offseason, but there is nevertheless a significant pool of players who aren’t technically yet free agents, but will be soon. That is to say, over the next few days, options decisions – player, team, and mutual – will be rolling out, and the free agent pool will expand. An unsurprising one drops first, with San Diego Padres righty Michael King ripping up the final two years and $…
Padres' Michael King Says Goodbye While Mets Take Notice
The San Diego Padres and Michael King are parting ways, at least for now. The news emerged Thursday morning, not long after the World Series ended and MLB officially reached its offseason, that King is opting out of his contract. It could lead to a big free agency pursuit of one of the top pitchers […]
Michael King Reportedly Opts Out of Final 2 Years, $58M of Padres Contract, Buyout Details Revealed
After re-signing with the San Diego Padres on a three-year deal last offseason, starting pitcher Michael King will be searching for a new home this winter.
Michael King opts out of San Diego Padres contract, becomes a free agent
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres speaks to the media during National League Wild Card Series workouts at Petco Park on September 28, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO.- Right opener Michael King has rejected the player's option in his contract with the Fathers to become a free agent, a source informed Mark Feinsand of MLB.com on Thursday morning. The club has not confirmed the news about King, who will now become one of the [...] The entry Michael King declares free agent aparece primero en PSN Noticias.
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