The San Diego Padres and right-handed pitcher Michael King have agreed to the terms of a three-year contract worth $75 million, according to sources familiar with the deal. The agreement, which has not yet been officially confirmed by the team, ensures that King will remain in San Diego through the 2027 season.
King joined the Padres as part of the trade that sent Juan Soto to the New York Yankees, arriving in San Diego alongside several prospects. Since joining the Padres, King has been viewed as an important piece of the pitching staff, with the organization valuing his ability to both start and relieve effectively.
Originally drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 12th round of the 2016 MLB Draft, King was later traded to the Yankees where he developed into a reliable bullpen arm and eventually transitioned into a starting role. His pitching versatility and consistent performance have made him a valuable asset at the Major League level.
This new contract follows a season in which King showed promising results, contributing significantly to the Padres’ rotation. Known for his command and ability to generate ground balls, he has demonstrated the potential to be a dependable part of a major league pitching staff.
By signing King to a multi-year deal, the Padres are making a clear investment in the future of their rotation. His mix of experience and versatility aligns with San Diego’s strategy of building a competitive team built around a mix of veteran and emerging talent.
The $75 million contract places King among the most notable signings for the club this offseason. It reflects not only the market value for starting pitching but also the confidence the organization has in King’s role moving forward. Additional details regarding contract structure or incentives were not made public.
The Padres are expected to continue evaluating their roster as the offseason progresses, with the goal of improving on last season’s results and remaining competitive in the National League.
