San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King has declined his player option for the 2027 season, becoming a free agent, according to a report from Yahoo Sports on Thursday.
The decision allows King to test the open market after his tenure with the Padres. The right-hander joined San Diego as part of the trade that sent Juan Soto to the New York Yankees in December 2023.
King posted a 3.75 ERA over 173.2 innings in his first season with the Padres in 2024, earning an All-Star selection. He followed that with a 4.12 ERA across 168.1 innings in 2025 before the 2026 campaign.
The 29-year-old's move to free agency adds a notable arm to this winter's pitching market, where several teams are expected to seek rotation upgrades.
