Michael King expected to decline player option with the San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King is expected to opt out of his current contract this offseason. The 31-year-old right-hander holds a deal worth $75 million over three years, with $50 million remaining over the next two seasons. Analysts project King to test the open market after recording a 3.23 ERA, 3.5 bWAR, and 135 strikeouts across 156 innings this year. His performance positions him as a high-priority free agent behind only Tarik Skubal. While the Padres could negotiate a new long-term deal, King is widely anticipated to seek a contract with higher value and greater duration. The San Diego rotation faces significant transition this winter, as Robbie Ray, Casey Mize, and Nick Pivetta are also slated to enter free agency.

• 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — Padres likely to receive unfortunate opt-out news on $75M starting pitcher