By admin 
Michael King has made it clear that San Diego holds a special place in his life as he considers his future with the Padres following their elimination from the National League Division Series.
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King described his upcoming contract choice as a “future decision” after Milwaukee eliminated San Diego with a 3-1 win in Game 4 on Wednesday. The right-hander also spoke about his personal connection to the city, saying, “This is where we started a family. We started our foundation here,” according to Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune.
The comments come as King approaches a decision that could make him one of the most prominent starting pitchers available in free agency this offseason. He has a player option for the 2027 season worth $28 million, with a $5 million buyout if he chooses to opt out.
Michael King said his option is a “future decision,” but he’s been up front all along about what San Diego has meant to him:
“This is where we started a family. …
— Jeff Sanders (@sdutSanders) October 8, 2026
The contract decision follows one of King’s strongest seasons in the majors. He finished 2026 with a 12-10 record, a 3.21 ERA, 159 strikeouts and a 1.18 WHIP across 185 innings in 32 starts. He also avoided the injured list during the regular season, giving San Diego a consistent presence in its rotation.
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King carried that form into October, recording a 0.64 ERA across three postseason appearances. He held the Chicago Cubs to one hit over seven innings in the Wild Card Series before allowing one run over five-plus innings against Milwaukee in Game 2 of the NLDS. He then returned two days later to record a six-out save in the Padres’ Game 3 win.
San Diego finished the regular season 91-71, second in the NL West behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres swept the Cubs in the Wild Card Series but could not get past Milwaukee, losing the NLDS in four games.
King’s decision will have financial and personal implications. He can take the $28 million salary for 2027 or opt out, collect the $5 million buyout and test free agency. His contract also includes a $30 million player option for 2028 if he remains under the deal.
For now, King has not committed to either path. His comments make clear that he values what he and his family have built in San Diego, leaving the Padres with reason to hope their frontline starter will return even if he explores his options.
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This story was originally published October 9, 2026 at 7:08 AM.