San Diego Padres right-hander Michael King has elected free agency, though a return to the club remains possible. The 29-year-old pitcher appeared in Game 2 of the National League Division Series at American Family Field in Milwaukee on October 4, 2026, where he was removed during the sixth inning by Padres manager Craig Stammen.
King, who wears number 34, joined the Padres via trade from the New York Yankees and posted a 2.95 ERA over 173.2 innings during the 2026 regular season. His decision to test the open market comes after a strong first year in San Diego, where he emerged as a frontline starter. The Padres are expected to engage in negotiations to retain him.
