Padres Agree to Deal with Michael King
The San Diego Padres have successfully avoided arbitration with pitcher Michael King, reaching a one-year agreement instead. The deal includes an option for the 2026 season, though mutual options are rarely exercised by both parties.
King will earn a guaranteed $7.75 million this season. This figure comprises a $3 million signing bonus, a $1 million salary, and a $3.75 million buyout for the 2026 option, wich has a $15 million value.
The contract structure offers incentives for King to reach start milestones. He can earn an additional $50,000 for reaching 20 starts, and bonuses of $100,000 each for hitting 25 and 28 starts. This approach might provide the payroll-conscious Padres with some instant budgetary relief.
King’s initial request for $8.8 million differed from the padres’ counteroffer of $7.325 million, leading to a negotiated settlement.
King’s Ascendance in San Diego
Acquired from the New York Yankees in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade last season, King transitioned from a reliever role to establishing himself as a starter with the padres.
King’s successes in San Diego include a career-high 173 2/3 innings pitched last season. He delivered an impressive 2.95 ERA, striking out 27.7% of batters while maintaining an 8.7% walk rate and generating a 40.4% ground-ball rate.
His performance highlighted his consistency, boasting a 2.91 ERA across his 392 2/3 innings pitched as 2021.
Trade Speculation and the Padres’ future
with King reaching free agency after this season, his name has been subject to trade rumors as the Padres face payroll constraints.
San Diego’s desire to contend in 2025 suggests a trade involving King or fellow pending free agent Dylan Cease would only materialize if the Padres could acquire a satisfactory replacement starter and additional big-league talent in return.
Teams seeking pitching reinforcements will continue to inquire about King, as the Padres are anticipated to make strategic roster moves to alleviate their payroll burden and strengthen their lineup.
How did michael King transition from reliever to starter with the Padres?
Padres Agree to Deal with Michael King
The San Diego Padres have successfully avoided arbitration with pitcher Michael King, reaching a one-year agreement instead. The deal includes an option for the 2026 season, though mutual options are rarely exercised by both parties.
King will earn a guaranteed $7.75 million this season.This figure comprises a $3 million signing bonus, a $1 million salary, and a $3.75 million buyout for the 2026 option, wich has a $15 million value.
The contract structure offers incentives for King to reach start milestones. he can earn an additional $50,000 for reaching 20 starts, and bonuses of $100,000 each for hitting 25 and 28 starts. This approach might provide the payroll-conscious Padres with some instant budgetary relief.
King’s initial request for $8.8 million differed from the padres’ counteroffer of $7.325 million, leading to a negotiated settlement.
King’s Ascendance in San Diego
Acquired from the New York Yankees in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade last season,King transitioned from a reliever role to establishing himself as a starter with the padres.
king’s successes in San Diego include a career-high 173 2/3 innings pitched last season. He delivered an impressive 2.95 ERA, striking out 27.7% of batters while maintaining an 8.7% walk rate and generating a 40.4% ground-ball rate.
His performance highlighted his consistency, boasting a 2.91 ERA across his 392 2/3 innings pitched as 2021.
Trade Speculation and the Padres’ future
with King reaching free agency after this season, his name has been subject to trade rumors as the padres face payroll constraints.
San Diego’s desire to contend in 2025 suggests a trade involving King or fellow pending free agent Dylan Cease would only materialize if the Padres could acquire a satisfactory⤀ replacement starter and additional big-league talent in return.
Teams seeking pitching reinforcements will continue to inquire about King, as the Padres are anticipated to make strategic roster moves to alleviate their payroll burden and strengthen their lineup.
Q&A
Q: What is Michael King’s contract structure with the Padres?
A: King signed a one-year deal worth $7.75 million, which includes a $3 million signing bonus, a $1 million base salary, and a $3.75 million buyout for his 2026 option (valued at $15 million).
Q: How did King perform after joining the Padres?
A: King excelled as a starter, posting a career-high 173 2/3 innings pitched with a 2.95 ERA, a 27.7% strikeout rate, and a 40.4% ground-ball rate.
Q: Is Michael King likely to be traded?
A: Given his impending free agency and the Padres’ payroll concerns, trade rumors surrounding King are likely to persist.However, a trade would depend on San Diego’s ability to secure a suitable replacement starter and additional talent in return.
Stay tuned for further developments as the Padres navigate their roster and payroll considerations in pursuit of continued contention.
