### Padres Secure Michael King with a $75 Million Contract, Ensuring Stability in Their Rotation The San Diego Padres have successfully re-signed right-handed pitcher Michael King to a lucrative three-year contract worth $75 million. This deal includes two player options, allowing King to opt out after the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The announcement was made on December 19, 2025, and is seen as a strategic move to bolster the Padres' starting rotation, especially after a season where King faced injuries that limited his appearances. King, who will turn 31 in May, had a solid performance last season, finishing with a 3.44 ERA over 15 starts, despite battling shoulder and knee issues [https://apnews.com/article/michael-king-padres-contract-2e5be9601c7ef5bf0246229381d5b4b4][https://www.smdailyjournal.com/sports/padres-re-sign-king-to-75-million-3-year-deal-that-allows-him-to-opt/article_ef455355-89d1-5b3c-951e-ca29efea2d66.html]. ### Breakdown of the Contract and Its Implications 1. **Contract Details**: - **Duration**: Three years (2026-2028). - **Total Value**: $75 million. - **Player Options**: King can opt out after the 2026 and 2027 seasons. - **Signing Bonus**: $12 million, paid in three installments. - **Annual Salary**: $5 million in 2026, with options for $28 million in 2027 and $30 million in 2028 [https://www.smdailyjournal.com/sports/padres-re-sign-king-to-75-million-3-year-deal-that-allows-him-to-opt/article_ef455355-89d1-5b3c-951e-ca29efea2d66.html][https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-free-agency-michael-king-san-diego-padres]. 2. **Impact on the Padres**: - King’s return is crucial for the Padres, especially with other key pitchers like Yu Darvish sidelined. - The deal provides flexibility for both King and the team, allowing King to pursue a larger contract if he performs well [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/san_diego_padres_re_sign_michael_king_to_three_year_75_million_deal/s1_17194_43225101][https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/whats-next-how-michael-kings-return-impacts-padres-starting-pitching-market]. 3. **King's Performance and Future Outlook**: - King had a promising 2024 season with a 2.95 ERA but faced challenges in 2025 due to injuries. - His ability to opt out after two seasons could lead to a significant payday if he stays healthy and performs at a high level [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/michael_king_re_signs_with_padres/s1_13549_43225991][https://www.clutchpoints.com/mlb/san-diego-padres/padres-news-michael-king-gets-brutally-honest-re-signing-san-diego]. ### Summary of Key Findings - **Contract Significance**: The Padres' re-signing of Michael King for $75 million over three years, with opt-out clauses, is a strategic move to enhance their pitching rotation. - **Financial Structure**: The contract includes a signing bonus and a manageable salary, allowing the Padres to maintain flexibility while securing a key player. - **Future Implications**: King’s performance in the upcoming seasons will be critical, not only for his career but also for the Padres' aspirations to contend for a championship [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-free-agency-michael-king-san-diego-padres][https://www.clutchpoints.com/mlb/san-diego-padres/padres-news-michael-king-contract-grades-75-million-deal]. In conclusion, Michael King's re-signing is a pivotal moment for the San Diego Padres as they aim to solidify their rotation and enhance their competitiveness in the coming seasons.