Michael King Opts Out of Contract to Enter MLB Free Agency

San Diego Padres right-hander Michael King opted out of the final two years of his contract to test free agency after establishing himself as a top rotation starter. King delivered a 3.21 ERA, 127 ERA+, and 4.3 WAR across 185 innings in 32 starts in 2026 before allowing just one run over 14 postseason innings. Pitching fits for the 31-year-old ace include the Athletics, Astros, and White Sox as a premier alternative to Tarik Skubal.