San Diego, CA, November 26, 2025
San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King has opted out of his player option for the 2026 season, entering free agency. King’s 2.92 ERA in 2025 highlighted his contribution to the Padres’ rotation, making him an attractive option for teams seeking pitching depth. This decision adds to the buzz around notable free agents in the MLB offseason, including Framber Valdez and Cody Bellinger, as teams seek to strengthen their rosters.
San Diego, CA
Padres’ Michael King Declines Option, Sets Off Free Agency Buzz
San Diego Padres’ pitcher Michael King has declined his player option for the 2026 season, making him a free agent. This decision follows a season where King posted a 2.92 ERA in 15 starts, contributing significantly to the Padres’ rotation. His move opens up opportunities for other teams seeking a reliable right-hander.
Key Free Agents in the MLB
The 2025-2026 MLB offseason features several notable free agents across various positions. Here are some of the top players available:
- Framber Valdez, LHP, Houston Astros
Valdez, 32, has been a consistent performer, making at least 28 starts and maintaining an ERA below 3.70 in each of the last four seasons. In 2025, he recorded a 3.66 ERA with 187 strikeouts over 192 innings. - Edwin Díaz, RHP, New York Mets
Díaz, 31, opted out of the remaining two years and $38 million of his contract with the Mets. He had an impressive 2025 season, posting a 1.63 ERA with 28 saves in 31 opportunities. - Kyle Tucker, OF, Chicago Cubs
Tucker, 28, earned his fourth consecutive All-Star selection in 2025, hitting .266 with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 25 stolen bases. - Justin Verlander, RHP, San Francisco Giants
At 42, Verlander continues to defy age, making 29 starts in 2025 with a 3.85 ERA and 137 strikeouts over 152 innings. - Cody Bellinger, OF, New York Yankees
Bellinger, 30, is a free agent after a strong 2025 season with the Yankees, where he batted .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. The Los Angeles Dodgers have shown interest in re-signing him.
Recent Team Movements
Several teams have made significant roster changes in recent days:
- Texas Rangers
The Rangers non-tendered outfielder Adolis García and catcher Jonah Heim, both key contributors to their 2023 World Series title. This move signals a shift in the team’s direction to reduce payroll. - San Diego Padres
The Padres re-signed pitcher Kyle Hart to a one-year, $1 million contract with a club option for 2027, bolstering their pitching depth.
International Talent Entering the MLB Market
International players are also making their way into the MLB free-agent pool:
- Kazuma Okamoto, 3B/1B, Japan
Okamoto, 29, has been posted by the Yomiuri Giants. He is a six-time NPB All-Star with 248 home runs in 1,074 career games. - Tatsuya Imai, RHP, Japan
Imai, 28, has been posted by the Seibu Lions. He posted a 1.92 ERA over 163 2/3 innings in 2025, showcasing his potential as a starting pitcher.
Looking Ahead
The MLB offseason is in full swing, with teams actively seeking to strengthen their rosters. The availability of these free agents presents opportunities for teams to make strategic acquisitions as they prepare for the 2026 season.
FAQ
Who is the most notable free agent pitcher available?
Framber Valdez, 32, is considered the top free-agent pitcher, with a consistent performance record over the past four seasons.
Which international players have been posted for MLB free agency?
Kazuma Okamoto and Tatsuya Imai have been posted by their respective Japanese teams, the Yomiuri Giants and Seibu Lions.
What recent roster changes have occurred in MLB teams?
The Texas Rangers non-tendered Adolis García and Jonah Heim, while the San Diego Padres re-signed pitcher Kyle Hart.
Which free agent outfielder is attracting attention from multiple teams?
Cody Bellinger, 30, is a free agent after a strong 2025 season with the Yankees, with the Los Angeles Dodgers showing interest in re-signing him.
What is the status of pitcher Michael King?
Michael King declined his player option for the 2026 season, making him a free agent after a solid performance in 2025.
Key Features
| Player | Position | Team | 2025 Performance | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Framber Valdez | Pitcher | Houston Astros | 3.66 ERA, 187 strikeouts in 192 innings | Free Agent |
| Edwin Díaz | Pitcher | New York Mets | 1.63 ERA, 28 saves in 31 opportunities | Free Agent |
| Kyle Tucker | Outfielder | Chicago Cubs | .266 AVG, 22 HR, 73 RBIs, 25 SBs | Free Agent |
| Justin Verlander | Pitcher | San Francisco Giants | 3.85 ERA, 137 strikeouts in 152 innings | Free Agent |
| Cody Bellinger | Outfielder | New York Yankees | .272 AVG, 29 HR, 98 RBIs | Free Agent |
| Michael King | Pitcher | San Diego Padres | 2.92 ERA in 15 starts | Free Agent |
| Kazuma Okamoto | Infielder | Yomiuri Giants | 248 HRs in 1,074 games | Posted for MLB Free Agency |
| Tatsuya Imai | Pitcher | Seibu Lions | 1.92 ERA over 163 2/3 innings | Posted for MLB Free Agency |
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