Braves’ Pitcher Michael King Secures Lucrative Deal with Padres
Atlanta Braves’ trade target, starting pitcher Michael King, has inked a significant deal with the San Diego Padres, sidestepping arbitration with a mutually beneficial contract. The agreement includes a one-year term with a mutual option extending to 2026.
The Padres officially disclosed the contract details on social media platform X, confirming that King will pocket a substantial $3 million bonus along with a $1 million salary for the upcoming 2025 season. Moreover, the mutual option is valued at $15 million, featuring a $3.75 million buyout that could escalate to $4 million based on games started. In essence, King is set to secure a guaranteed sum of $7.75 million through this deal.
Despite this agreement with the Padres, rumors swirling around King’s potential move to the Braves have not been decisively quashed. Speculation persists about the possibility of him relocating to Atlanta, keeping fans and analysts on edge about his final destination.
The certainty surrounding King’s earnings under this contract could potentially streamline negotiations, providing a clearer financial framework for any prospective team eyeing his services.
In the previous season, King emerged as a cornerstone of the Padres’ rotation, transitioning into a full-time starter and delivering commendable performances. Across 31 appearances, including 30 starts in 2024, he boasted impressive stats with a 2.95 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, a 139 ERA+, and an impressive tally of 201 strikeouts over 173 2/3 innings. Although he faced initial challenges in April, King swiftly regained form, showcasing a stellar 2.42 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, and 161 strikeouts in 137 2/3 innings from May 4 onwards.
King’s stellar contributions culminated in a notable seventh-place finish in the National League Cy Young Award voting, underscoring his value as a top-tier pitcher. For the Braves, this contractual structure presents an ideal scenario, especially amidst financial constraints, as they could potentially secure King’s services at a relatively manageable cost, with a prospect of a higher payout in subsequent years.
While this deal may sway the Braves towards a move for King over other contenders like Dylan Cease, there remains a lingering uncertainty on whether King’s future lies beyond San Diego. If he opts to stay, the Braves might face stiff competition, notably from the Mets, in their pursuit of Cease.