Padres' Michael King re-signing helps alleviate significant losses

The San Diego Padres found themselves with the unenviable task of attempting to keep pace with the Los Angeles Dodgers while dealing with payroll concerns. They took a step in that direction Thursday night.

Mark Feinsand from MLB.com reported that the Padres are re-signing pitcher Michael King to a three-year, $75 million contract. He will receive a $12 million signing bonus and $5 million for 2026, with the option to opt out after the 2026 and 2027 seasons. He would receive $28 million in 2027, or a $5 million buyout, and $30 million in 2028.

King made just 15 starts for the Padres in 2025 due to a pinched nerve in his right shoulder and left knee inflammation. He performed well when he was able to take the ball, posting a 3.44 ERA and a 1.200 WHIP over his 73.1 innings, striking out 76 batters with 26 walks.

Retaining Michael King helps alleviate San Diego Padres losses

The Padres pitching staff had suffered a pair of significant losses during the offseason. Starter Dylan Cease signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Blue Jays, while closer Robert Suarez signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Braves. The Padres, meanwhile, had made a pair of minor deals, re-signing pitcher Kyle Hart while taking a flier on former top pitching prospect Triston MacKenzie.

King had been a key part of the deal that sent outfielder Juan Soto to the Yankees during the 2023-24 offseason. He had transitioned to the rotation over the final few weeks of the 2023 season, posting a 1.88 ERA and a 1.096 WHIP over 38.1 innings as a starter, striking out 48 batters with nine walks. King continued that impressive performance in his first season with the Padres, posting a 2.95 ERA and a 1.192 WHIP over 173.2 innings, striking out 201 batters with 63 walks as he earned down-ballot votes for the NL Cy Young award.

If King is healthy, he will pair with Nick Pivetta to give the Padres a formidable duo atop the rotation. While the Padres still have work to do to contend with the Dodgers in the NL West, bringing King back is a strong first step in that direction.