San Diego Padres Β· SP
Coming off an All-MLB Second Team selection in 2024, King enters 2026 as a reliable mid-rotation starter for the Padres after posting a 3.44 ERA with 76 strikeouts across limited innings in 2025. His 2026 season shows modest regression with a 3.55 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 96.1 innings, though he maintains solid strikeout production with 83 K that positions him as a steady contributor in the K category. The primary fantasy concern remains durability and workloadβhis inability to secure wins (5-7 record) limits upside in that category, making him best suited for league formats prioritizing ERA and strikeouts over accumulation stats. King's All-MLB pedigree suggests he retains value as a backend starter or spot-start option, particularly in leagues rewarding consistency over ceiling.
Michael King opts out of Padres deal to test free agency
Right-handed pitcher Michael King declined his player option with the San Diego Padres, becoming a free agent at age 32 entering the 2027 offseason. King will now shop himself on the open market as one of the top starting pitcher options available. The move opens the door for King to pursue a more lucrative long-term deal elsewhere.
Oct 30, 2026
Michael King earns save in Game 3 for Padres
King pitched two scoreless innings to secure the save in Game 3 of the NLDS against Milwaukee, allowing one hit with two walks and one strikeout. His performance was critical in keeping the Padres' season alive.
Oct 7, 2026
Michael King strong five innings for Padres in Game 2
San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King threw five-plus innings in Game 2 of the NLDS against Milwaukee, allowing one run on three hits with six strikeouts and no walks. King did not factor in the decision despite a solid performance on the mound. His inability to earn a win was overshadowed by the late-inning collapse.
Oct 5, 2026
| Year | Team | G | GS | W | L | SV | ERA | WHIP | K | IP | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | New York Yankees | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 | 1.00 | 1 | 2.0 | 0 |
| 2020 | New York Yankees | 9 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7.76 | 1.54 | 26 | 26.2 | 11 |
| 2021 | New York Yankees | 22 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 3.55 | 1.28 | 62 | 63.1 | 24 |
| 2022 | New York Yankees | 34 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2.29 | 1.00 | 66 | 51.0 | 16 |
| 2023 | New York Yankees | 49 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 2.75 | 1.15 | 127 | 104.2 | 32 |
| 2024 | San Diego Padres | 31 | 30 | 13 | 9 | 0 | 2.95 | 1.19 | 201 | 173.2 | 63 |
| 2025 | San Diego Padres | 15 | 15 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 3.44 | 1.20 | 76 | 73.1 | 26 |
| 2026 | San Diego Padres | 32 | 32 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 3.21 | 1.18 | 159 | 185.0 | 70 |
| Career | Totals | 193 | 96 | 43 | 39 | 7 | 3.23 | 1.19 | 718 | 679.2 | 242 |
Source: MLB Stats API Β· Multi-team seasons show combined totals β click to expand
| Year | Team | G | GS | W | L | SV | ERA | WHIP | K | IP | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 teamsβΌ | 15 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4.11 | 1.50 | 20 | 30.2 | 9 |
| 2017 | Greensboro Grasshoppers | 26 | 25 | 11 | 9 | 0 | 3.14 | 1.09 | 106 | 149.0 | 21 |
| 2018 | 3 teamsβΌ | 25 | 24 | 11 | 5 | 0 | 1.79 | 0.91 | 152 | 161.1 | 29 |
| 2019 | 4 teamsβΌ | 11 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 5.48 | 1.24 | 44 | 46 | 10 |
| 2021 | Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4.76 | 0.88 | 11 | 5.2 | 0 |
| 2025 | El Paso Chihuahuas | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16.20 | 1.50 | 5 | 3.1 | 1 |
| Career | Totals | 81 | 60 | 28 | 20 | 2 | 3.07 | 1.07 | 338 | 396 | 70 |
Source: MLB Stats API Β· Multi-team seasons show combined totals β click to expand
Current season Β· MLB only
| G | GS | IP | W-L | SV | ERA | WHIP | K | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 42.2 | 4-2 | 0 | 2.53 | 1.15 | 35 | 14 |
| G | GS | IP | W-L | SV | ERA | WHIP | K | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 30 | 174.1 | 12-9 | 0 | 3.20 | 1.18 | 148 | 65 |