King declines player option with Padres to become free agent (source)

San Diego Padres right-handed starting pitcher Michael King has declined his player option to become a free agent, according to a source cited by MLB.com. King originally signed a three-year, $75 million contract that included opt-out clauses after each of the first two seasons. By opting out ahead of his age-32 season, King will receive a $5 million buyout from the Padres.

King delivered a strong 2026 campaign, recording a 3.21 ERA across 32 regular-season starts and a career-high 4.3 WAR before shining in the postseason. His departure presents significant rotation questions for San Diego, leaving Randy Vásquez as the only guaranteed returning starting pitcher for 2027 among several potential free agents and contract decisions.