Michael King Declines Mutual Option With Padres

[Matthew Lenz]

The first day of the offseason isn't even over, and the San Diego Padres are down a piece to their 2026 rotation puzzle.

Though it's not a surprise, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King has declined his side of a mutual option, collecting a $3.75 million buyout in lieu of a $15 million salary in 2026.

Despite a so-so season marred by injury, the move was widely expected, as the 2026 Starting Pitcher free-agent class is fairly weak. It's all but guaranteed that King will sign for more than the $11.25 million difference between his buyout and 2026 salary.

Though 2025 was a bit of a lost season, teams have his 2024 season fresh in their mind, where he threw 173 1/3 innings in his first full year as a starter. In that season, he sported an impressive 3.33 FIP coupled with a 19.0% K-BB rate. 

Do you think the Padres should re-sign Michael King or look to replace him in 2026? Let us know in the comments!

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