Pitcher Michael King and the San Diego Padres avoided an arbitration hearing by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $7.75 million on Friday.
King will receive a $3 million signing bonus and a $1 million salary this year. The deal includes a $15 million mutual option for the following year, with a $3.75 million buyout. The buyout could increase by $250,000 depending on how many starts he makes this season: $50,000 for 20, and $100,000 each for 25 and 28 starts.
The 29-year-old right-hander had asked for $8.8 million and was offered $7,325,000 when both sides exchanged figures. King will be a free agent after this year’s World Series.
San Diego acquired King from the Yankees in December 2023 as part of the trade that sent outfielder Juan Soto to New York. Last season, King went 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA in 30 starts and one relief appearance, striking out 201 batters and walking 63 in 173 2/3 innings.
King has a 26-26 record with a 3.20 ERA in 49 starts and 97 relief appearances with the Yankees (2019-23) and Padres.
