The San Diego Padres are bringing back starting pitcher Michael King on a three-year deal, as first reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Right-hander Michael King and the San Diego Padres are in agreement on a three-year, $75 million contract, sources tell ESPN. The deal allows King to opt out after the 2026 and 2027 seasons. @Feinsand was first on the news.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 19, 2025
King declined the Qualifying Offer after the 2025 season in order to become a free agent. Interest in his services was not as active as he had hoped, so he will head back to San Diego and take an opt-out–heavy deal with the chance to become a free agent again within the next two years.