Another top free agent linked to the Boston Red Sox will reportedly sign elsewhere.<\/p>\n
Michael King reached a three-year, $75 million agreement to stay with the San Diego Padres, as first reported late Thursday night by MLB.com\u2019s Mark Feinsand<\/a>. The deal includes an opt-out after each season.<\/p>\n King will make<\/a> a $5 million salary with a $12 million signing bonus in 2026, but he\u2019d also receive a $5 million buyout if electing to decline a player option next offseason. The right-hander can exercise a $28 million option for 2027 and $30 million option for 2028.<\/p>\n Feinsand reported that the deal is finalized after King passed his physical<\/a>.<\/p>\n MassLive\u2019s Chris Cotillo said last weekend that King had \u201cstrong interest\u201d<\/a> in the Red Sox. Although the feeling was reportedly mutual<\/a>, several other teams also pursued the Rhode Island native after a down year.<\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement<\/p>\n King ended his fourth season with the New York Yankees by successfully shifting to the rotation. He registered a 2.23 ERA in nine starts to close the 2023 campaign before getting sent to San Diego in a Juan Soto blockbuster.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n A permanent rotation move paid off handsomely for King, who garnered a 2.95 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 173 2\/3 innings in 2024. He started 2025 with a 2.09 ERA through April, but a shoulder injury sidelined him in May.<\/p>\n King returned to pitch two innings against the Red Sox in August before knee inflammation sent him back to the injured list for a month. Despite allowing eight runs in his second start back, he still finished the season with a 3.44 ERA in 73 1\/3 innings.<\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement<\/p>\n