Should the Padres sign two starters instead of re-signing Michael King?

Brandon Glick of Friars on Base argues that the San Diego Padres should consider signing multiple starting pitchers instead of spending heavily to re-sign free agent Michael King. King opted out of the final two years and $58 million of his contract following an ace-caliber 2026 campaign. While retaining King is reportedly a top priority for general manager A.J. Preller, King is expected to command a four-to-five-year contract worth $125 million to $150 million.

Glick contends that committing significant payroll to the soon-to-be 32-year-old King presents substantial risk for an aging roster with severe rotation shortages. With only Randy Vásquez, Joe Musgrove, and JP Sears currently projected for the 2027 rotation, the writer suggests allocating King's projected $30 million annual salary toward multiple starters—such as Zac Gallen, Shane Bieber, Nick Martinez, or Jack Flaherty—to build necessary pitching depth.