Starter Michael King and closer Robert Suarez both opted out of their respective deals with the San Diego Padres, according to multiple reports on Monday.
The decisions make both right-handers free-agents.
King turned down the $15 million mutual option in his contract after an injury plagued 2025 season. He receives a $3.75 million buyout from the Padres.
King went 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA in 15 starts this season. He began the season as the club’s co-ace with Dylan Cease but tossed just 73 1/3 innings in the regular season due to shoulder and knee injuries. King pitched one inning of relief in the postseason.
However, King excelled in 2024 with a 13-9 mark and 2.95 ERA, so the 30-year-old figures to be heavily pursued in the open market.
Suarez used his player option to exit a five-year, $46 million deal that had two seasons and $16 million remaining. He was due $8 million over each of the next two seasons.
Suarez, 34, outplayed the contract with back-to-back All-Star appearances and he led the National League with 40 saves this season.
San Diego figures to use fireballer Mason Miller as its closer in 2026 after acquiring the right-hander from the Athletics at the trade deadline.
Cease is among the Padres who became free agents Sunday. Others include infielder Luis Arraez, first baseman/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn and utility player Jose Iglesias.
–Field Level Media
