Michael King Opts Out of Padres Contract

The right-handed pitcher enters MLB free agency after declining the final two years of his current deal.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Baseball

Michael King Opts Out of Padres Contract

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Michael King has officially opted out of the final two years of his contract with the San Diego Padres to enter MLB free agency. He departs after a 2026 campaign where he made 32 starts.

Why it matters

King believes his performance on the mound warrants a deal surpassing the $58 million remaining on his existing agreement. He is now eligible for a $5 million buyout while exploring new long-term opportunities.

King finished the 2026 season with a 3.21 ERA, recording 159 strikeouts across 185 innings of work. The vacated contract included salaries of $28 million for 2027 and $30 million for 2028.

The players

Michael King

Michael King is a Major League Baseball pitcher who recently completed his 2026 season with the San Diego Padres.

San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres are a professional baseball team based in Southern California that competes in the National League West division of Major League Baseball.

New York Mets

The New York Mets are a professional baseball team located in Queens that competes in the National League East division of Major League Baseball.

The details

After serving as a primary rotation piece for San Diego throughout 32 starts, King aims to leverage his recent productivity into a more lucrative multi-year deal. The New York Mets have emerged as an interested party in the veteran pitcher.

During the 2026 season, King pitched 185 innings for the Padres.
MLB entered its offseason in October 2026.
News of King opting out of his contract emerged on October 29, 2026.

Season Trajectory

King's departure marks a significant shift in the San Diego pitching rotation as the team prepares for a new cycle of roster management. His entry into the market immediately influences the competitiveness of the free-agent class and shapes the off-season plans of potential suitors like the Mets.

The Padres must now account for a $5 million buyout payment while adjusting their rotation depth for the upcoming season. For the front office, this creates an immediate need to fill 185 innings of production previously anchored by King.

The takeaway

Players often utilize opt-out clauses when their market value exceeds the remaining guarantees on their current contract. Fans should expect teams to aggressively re-evaluate their financial flexibility once these veteran pitchers test the open market.