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22 hours ago
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The San Diego Padres are still in search of a new manager. After a disappointing end to the 2025 season, San Diego also received the news that Mike Shildt would no longer be managing the team.
That leaves the front office with its hands full, and with free agency less than a week away, Michael King has made a big decision about his future.
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Michael King declines player option
Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that starter Michael King is expected to decline his player option and test free agency.
His mutual player option is $15 million, and since he declined it, he will now be available for any MLB team to sign.
King is fresh off a 2025 campaign where he posted a 3.44 ERA in 15 starts. He dealt with some injuries regarding his nerves, which kept him out of the Padres' rotation for the majority of the summer months.
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After spending several seasons with the New York Yankees as a reliever, San Diego converted him to a starter, and he started to thrive.
This decision by Michael King gives the Padres two key decisions to make regarding the starting rotation. The other is Dylan Cease, who is regarded as one of the top starters on the market. If King is declining his $15 million option, it means he is in search of a multi-year extension with an AAV either similar to $15 million or potentially more.
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