Yoel King

Yoel King is a right-handed pitcher who has reportedly agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres for the 2027 international signing period. 

The San Diego Padres are always active on the international market.

In the last few seasons alone, the team has signed Ethan Salas, Loedalis De Vries, and Humberto Cruz.

The latest phenom to reportedly agree with the Padres on a future contract is Dominican right-handed pitcher Yoel King.

King will surely earn the highest signing bonus for a pitcher in next year’s market. The 16-year-old is already pitching in the high 90s with his fastball and reportedly topping out at 100 mph. There is a lot of upside with the right-handed pitcher.

A.J. Preller and his staff deserve a ton of praise for scouting these young players and also connecting with them. These young players can sign with whomever they want. The Padres are not only paying them a fair amount, but they are getting to know these men and gaining their trust.

Being a teenager and coming over to the States from these Latino countries is not an easy thing. Especially when these athletes are expected to perform.

Here is a look at King, who is already bringing a power fastball despite his age.

SOURCE: The San Diego Padres have reached a pre-agreement with Dominican prospect Yoel King, who at just 16 years old already throws over 100 mph. The bonus represents the highest amount ever given to a pitcher in the 2027 class. pic.twitter.com/Dz8kiUJKs6

— Wilber Sánchez (@wilberdata) February 11, 2026

It is reported that he will sign for at least $1.5 million. His contract cannot be finalized at this point. But that is what is expected at the very least to gain his services.

The Padres are no strangers to picking talent out of this market.

Yoel King, in time, may be a future top-of-the-rotation piece the Padres crave.

Yoel King could be special. He has great size (6-foot-2, 175 lbs.) and should only get better. Professional coaching will make him better.

It is really early in his development, but the Padres are excited for his upside.

Unfortunately, King cannot sign until next January. He will likely spend 2027 in the DSL League and will not be seen in the States until around 2028 at the very earliest. Assuming that the Padres do indeed sign him and his development moves forward. A lot can happen until then. The Padres may have a verbal agreement, but anything is possible.

For now, he looks to be the crown jewel in the Padres’ 2027 International Class.

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.

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