Michael King signed a one-year contract with a mutual option for a second season with the Padres prior to the 2025 season, and as expected, King has declined his option, making him an unrestricted free agent according to the MLBPA. King had an incredible 2024 season, finishing 7th in NL Cy Young voting in his first full season as a starter, but only pitched 73.1 innings in 2025 amid multiple IL stints, complicating his free agency. King will likely be a priority for the Padres this offseason, as fellow starter Dylan Cease will also be a free agent.