The San Diego Padres have ensured stability in their rotation by locking down one of their top arms for the foreseeable future. The team has officially re-signed Michael King to a seven-year deal worth $75 million, securing the right-hander’s place in their long-term plans.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Padres and reigning All-MLB Second Team selection Michael King have reached an agreement, avoiding arbitration and solidifying his contract details for the 2025 season:
“Michael King and the Padres have settled to avoid arbitration, per source. King will be guaranteed $7.75 million ($3M signing bonus, $1M salary, $3.75M buyout on a $15M mutual option for 2026). The buyout can become $4M based on the number of games started,” Feinsand reported on X.
King was a standout performer for the Padres last season, emerging as one of their most reliable starters. The 29-year-old right-hander posted an impressive 13-9 record with a 2.95 ERA and 1.192 WHIP, proving his worth as a frontline rotation piece. He was also one of just 11 pitchers to surpass 200 strikeouts, finishing ninth in the Majors with 201 Ks.
With Dylan Cease leading the rotation, King established himself as the team’s No. 2 option and played a crucial role in San Diego’s postseason push to the National League Division Series against the Dodgers. His return keeps the Padres’ championship aspirations alive as they look to take the next step in 2025.
Bringing back King on a long-term deal solidifies the Padres’ rotation and keeps them competitive in a stacked National League West. Given his stellar performance last season, King is already an early candidate for the 2025 NL Cy Young Award. If he continues to develop, he could be a cornerstone for the Padres’ pitching staff for years to come.
With their rotation set and their sights on a World Series run, the Padres have taken a significant step in shaping their future. San Diego fans can now breathe easy, knowing that one of their best arms isn’t going anywhere.
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