The Padres are still chasing a playoff spot, but the bigger-picture questions are already starting to pile up for the front office. One of the biggest centers on Michael King, who isn’t a free agent yet, but does have an opt-out in his contract.
King’s deal gives him a choice: stick around for $32 million in 2027 or head back into the open market. After the season he has put together in 2026, the expectation is that he’ll test free agency. MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand sees it the same way.
"It seems likely that King will opt out, as he is widely viewed as the second-best starting pitcher on this winter’s free-agent market behind only Skubal," Feinsand wrote.
That’s the kind of value King has built with a strong year in San Diego. He has made 28 starts, posted a 3.11 ERA and covered 162 innings, giving the Padres the most reliable arm in their rotation all season. When the team went through its rough midseason stretch, King was a major reason it stayed in the hunt.
If he does leave, it would put San Diego in a difficult spot. Replacing a pitcher who has carried that much of the load is never simple, and the Padres already know how important he has been to keeping their rotation from becoming even more of a problem this year.
Still, there are real questions attached to the long-term decision. King has not been a heavy-innings workhorse for most of his career, and the 2026 season is only the second time he has thrown more than 104 innings in a year. He was also limited to 15 starts last season because of injury.
That history matters, especially with King now 31 years old. It gives the Padres plenty to weigh if they try to keep him beyond this season. They kept him this past winter, but it would likely take more money to do it again.
For now, though, King is still in the middle of the race, helping San Diego stack wins while the free-agency decision waits in the background.
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