One Padres free agent they can’t afford to lose and one they should let walk

Writing for Friars on Base, Brandon Glick argues that the San Diego Padres should prioritize retaining starting pitcher Michael King while allowing right-hander Casey Mize to depart in free agency. Following the Padres' NLDS elimination against the Milwaukee Brewers, Glick contends that King established himself as the team's ace after dominant postseason appearances against the Chicago Cubs and Brewers, making a lucrative new deal essential if he opts out.

Conversely, the writer asserts that general manager A.J. Preller should let Mize leave on a free transfer after a disastrous tenure in San Diego. Mize struggled to a 7.46 ERA across 10 starts after arriving via trade and subsequently missed the postseason due to an ankle sprain.