Right-hander Michael King declined the player option on his contract with the San Diego Padres to become a free agent, MLB.com reported Thursday.
King had two seasons remaining on a three-year, $75 million contract and held a player option for each of the remaining seasons.
His decision was to either remain with the Padres at a $28 million salary for 2027 or opt out of the deal, accept a $5 million buyout and become a free agent. His 2028 option was worth $30 million.
Now, King will join a free-agent pitching class expected to be headlined by left-hander Tarik Skubal.
King, 31, went 1-0 with a 0.64 ERA in three appearances (two starts) this postseason. He gave up just one hit over seven innings while beating the Chicago Cubs in the National League wild-card series.
Against Milwaukee in the National League Division Series, King gave up one run and three hits over five-plus innings in Game 2. Two days later, he recorded a 40-pitch, two-innings save to help the Padres beat the Brewers in Game 3.
King is 30-22 with a 3.15 ERA in 78 appearances (77 starts) with the Padres. He was acquired from the Yankees along with four other players in the December 2023 trade that sent Juan Soto to New York.
