The San Diego Padres boast a solid starting rotation, but changes may be coming this offseason.
Dylan Cease is expected to become a free agent, and Michael King could also be on the move.
According to former general manager and MLB insider Jim Bowden, King may enter free agency via a mutual option.
“King has risen to the top of the starting pitcher rankings by clearly outperforming his peers,” Bowden wrote. “He’s recorded an ERA under 3.00 in each of the last four seasons. Last year, he finished 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA in 31 outings (30 starts). This season, he’s sporting a 2.59 ERA with 64 strikeouts and 17 walks over 10 starts.”
King’s ERA ranks 13th among all MLB starters, just behind standout rookie Paul Skenes. His consistency has been a major factor in keeping the Padres competitive in the National League West, where they trailed first place by just 1.5 games entering Thursday.
Bowden also highlighted another factor boosting King’s appeal.
“His relatively low mileage—only 477 major-league innings—adds to his value,” Bowden noted. “He has a \$15 million mutual option for 2026, which is likely to be declined in favor of a \$3.75 million buyout.”
If King becomes a free agent, he’ll be among the most coveted starters available at just 29 years old. Given their injury woes, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be strong suitors.
Spotrac projects King to land a four-year, \$71 million contract this offseason, though the Padres are expected to make a serious push to retain him.
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