Michael King Officially Opts Out Of Padres Contract

[Steve Drumwright]

 

On the first day following the World Series, as decisions can start to be officially made on 2027 contract situations, the San Diego Padres find themselves without an ace.

As expected, right-handed starter Michael King opted out of the final two years of his three-year, $75 million contract Thursday and is now a free agent.

The Padres still have an exclusive negotiating window until Monday to get a new contract done with King, but with the quick announcement of King opting out of the final two years and $58 million, he has probably pitched his last game for the Padres. King, who said he would like to return to the Padres, will be one of the top three starting pitchers and a key free agent overall this offseason. Our rankings at DiamondCentric have him as the No. 7 free agent.

King received a qualifying offer last offseason, so is not eligible to receive that again.

He re-signed with the Padres after injuries dampened his free-agent value last year, but rebounded with a completely healthy 2026 and developed into the Padres' No. 1 pitcher, especially in the postseason. He made all 32 starts in the regular season and posted a 3.21 ERA over a career-high 185 innings.

The Padres' biggest option decision will have to do with their $14 million club option on right-hander Nick Pivetta. That decision has to be made no later than Monday.

 

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