King was a free agent and has reportedly signed a three-year deal to remain with the Padres.
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres have re-signed starting pitcher Michael King, according to multiple reports.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports the deal is for three years and worth $75 million. King can opt out of the contract after the 2027 and 2028 seasons, according to Passan.
King went 5–3 last season with a 3.44 earned run average. He dealt with two injuries that caused him to miss significant time — a shoulder nerve issue and a knee injury. He returned from both injuries but did not start for the Padres in the postseason, where they lost to the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card Series.
King has pitched for the Padres during the 2024 and 2025 seasons and will return as their ace moving forward.
He helps round out a starting pitching rotation that needed a boost. Nick Pivetta and Joe Musgrove were the two primary certainties heading into next season. The Padres also noted during the Winter Meetings that they will not try to convert relievers Mason Miller or Adrian Morejon into starters.