San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King declined his mutual option with the Padres for the 2026 season and will head into free agency this offseason, per

Pitchers Michael King and Michael Lorenzen and catcher Mitch Garver became free agents Monday when their mutual options for 2026 were declined. King declined his option with San Diego, while Kansas City turned down Lorenzen and Seattle declined Garver.

Now that the World Series is behind us, the free agent market is already upon us, officially opening on Thursday. And one of the interesting players who will be showcased is certainly San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King,

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San Diego Padres entered the season with big expectations, but once again fell short. Despite having a talented roster, the team made an early playoff exit after losing to the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card series. The news that manager Mike Shildt will not return next season suggests that major changes are coming for the Padres.

After club skipper Mike Shildt's retirement, another key piece of the Padres is set to depart as starter Michael King has declined his mutual option with the ball club.

Now that the San Diego Padres are out of the postseason, the next thing they have to worry about is two of their best pitchers jumping ship in free agency.

https://www.gaslampball.com/san-diego-padres-analysis-commentary/51286/michael-king-opts-out-mlbpa-announces-free-agents (Matt DeWalt – Gaslamp Ball) https://www.gaslampball.com/san-diego-padres-news/51278/padres-tease-city-connect-2-0 (Matt DeWalt – Gaslamp Ball)