The San Diego Padres are heading into what could be one of their most pivotal offseasons in years. With the 2026 free agent market on the horizon, the team has room to get creative, though they also face the possibility of losing key pieces from their rotation.
Chief among them are Dylan Cease and Michael King.
While Cease’s track record as a starter gives him an edge in experience, comparing him directly to King isn’t simple, as each brings different strengths to the mound.
Will Michael King leave San Diego?
Since moving into a full-time starter role, King has consistently pitched at a high level. Still, his injury history is hard to overlook and could limit his market value.
The addition of Mason Miller also complicates things. As MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan pointed out, Miller could be San Diego’s future ace. The hard-throwing righty has strengthened the bullpen, though it’s uncertain how long he’ll stay there.
While Miller is under team control through 2029, there’s already talk of shifting him back into the rotation. With Dylan Cease, Michael King, and Nestor Cortes all approaching free agency, the Padres’ decision on Miller may heavily influence how they pursue pitching this offseason.
Even so, King should still draw interest in free agency, provided teams aren’t scared off by his health concerns. Spotrac projects him at four years, $97.2 million — roughly $25 million annually. That’s a steep price for a pitcher with durability questions.
Among this year’s top free agents, King might be the biggest wild card. His talent is undeniable, but the risks tied to his availability make his case uniquely complicated.
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