The San Diego Padres re-signed right-hander Michael King to a three-year, $75 million contract despite interest from AL East teams, bolstering their rotation after Dylan Cease's departure to Toronto. The deal includes opt-outs after 2026 and 2027. The 30-year-old, who declined a $22.025 million qualifying offer, aims to help San Diego win a championship.
On Friday, the Padres announced the re-signing of starter Michael King, filling a key rotation gap after Dylan Cease signed a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays nearly three weeks prior. Acquired in the 2023 Juan Soto trade from the Yankees, the 30-year-old agreed to $75 million over three years: a $12 million signing bonus, $5 million salary in 2026, $28 million in 2027 (with a $5 million buyout if opting out), and $30 million in 2028.
After drawing pursuit from AL East clubs like the Orioles, Red Sox, and Yankees following his qualifying offer rejection, King opted to stay in San Diego. Since transitioning to a starter role with the Padres, he posted a 3.10 ERA over 46 appearances (45 starts), with a standout 2024 (2.95 ERA, 201 strikeouts in 173 2/3 innings, seventh in Cy Young voting) marred by 2025 injuries (shoulder nerve issue, knee problem; 3.44 ERA in 73 1/3 innings). "Injuries stink," King said at Petco Park. "I was not happy with my lack of innings. We have unfinished business—I want to be part of a championship."
GM A.J. Preller called King a 'top priority' amid rotation holes. With Yu Darvish out for 2026 (elbow surgery) and Cease gone, the core could feature Nick Pivetta, King, Joe Musgrove (post-Tommy John), Randy Vásquez, and JP Sears. The move may ripple through the pitching market.
