Michael King Declines Mutual Option, Becomes Free Agent

Pitcher Michael King declined his mutual option with the San Diego Padres for 2026, making him a free agent. He was guaranteed $7.75 million in a one-year contract with a buyout of a $15 million option. In 2025, the 30-year-old right-hander posted a 5-3 record with a 3.44 ERA over 15 starts, but his season was limited by injuries, including right shoulder inflammation and left knee inflammation. King was in his second season with the Padres after being acquired in the trade that sent Juan Soto to the Yankees.