Padres Updates: King, Kelly, and Darvish Impact 2026 Roster

The San Diego Padres have doubled down on their win-now window. They re-signed right-hander Michael King to a three-year, $75 million contract that’s packed with early opt-outs.

King could’ve chased every last dollar somewhere else, but he chose the Padres for their stability and a shot at contention. That decision shakes up both San Diego’s rotation and the National League pitching scene.

Michael King Bets on Padres’ World Series Window

This deal with Michael King came together in a hurry. The two sides got serious less than two weeks before agreeing.

Most folks saw King as an East Coast fit. But he’s made it clear—he believes the Padres can contend throughout his contract.

Choosing Winning Over the Highest Bid

King didn’t hide much about his free-agent journey. He had stronger financial offers on the table, but he wanted a team that could go for a World Series each year he’s around.

That’s what brought him back to Petco Park. A few things really mattered to him:

The three-year, $75 million setup doesn’t hit the nine-figure mark some predicted for King, especially before injuries cooled those expectations. Still, those opt-outs give him a strong safety net.

If he stays healthy and pitches like an ace, King can try free agency again in a better spot.

Interest Across the League, but San Diego Wins Out

King drew plenty of attention as a late-blooming frontline starter. Lots of contenders and big-market teams checked in, but none seemed to match what the Padres offered him.

East Coast Fit in Theory, West Coast Choice in Reality

On paper, King seemed likely to stick closer to home. The Marlins, Cubs, Orioles, Yankees, and Red Sox all showed some level of interest.

Oddly, the Yankees—who helped develop King and used him in multiple roles—never made a formal offer.

That left the door open for San Diego’s pitch, which included:

For King, it boiled down to where he could actually chase a ring and still keep some leverage with those opt-outs.

How King Fits into the Padres’ Rotation Plan

Now that King is locked in, Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller says he feels good about the top of his rotation. King, Nick Pivetta, and Joe Musgrove headline the group.

This trio mixes upside, experience, and enough depth to handle a 162-game grind—or at least that’s the hope.

Why San Diego Still Chased Merrill Kelly

Even with King signed, the Padres kept shopping for pitching. They made a competitive multi-year offer to right-hander Merrill Kelly, who went back to the Diamondbacks for two years and $40 million.

Reports say Kelly may have had a three-year offer over $50 million from a West Coast team, and it sure looks like that was San Diego.

Chasing Kelly shows the Padres want more than just three proven arms. They know how risky it is to build around pitchers with recent injuries—King included.

Yu Darvish Uncertainty Hangs Over the Future

San Diego’s aggressive approach to its rotation also comes from the uncertainty around Yu Darvish. He had UCL surgery and will likely miss all of 2026, which is a tough blow for both him and the team.

Darvish’s Future: Retirement, Return, or Resolution?

Darvish, now 39, says he’s honestly not sure if he’ll ever pitch again. There’s also the money factor: he’s still owed $46 million through 2028.

That leaves a few options on the table:

The Padres can’t really count on Darvish to anchor their rotation at this point. Honestly, that makes the King contract — plus the push for pitchers like Kelly — feel less like a luxury and more like something they absolutely need.

This offseason, it’s all about one thing for San Diego: protecting their competitive window. They got Michael King to take less money for a better shot at a title, which sends a message to the rest of the National League. The Padres aren’t backing down. They’re willing to get creative — maybe even a little bold — to stay in the mix.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Padres Notes: King, Kelly, Darvish