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Padres Notes: Michael King Addresses Opt Out, Craig Stammen’s Rooting Interest, New Owners Plans

Catch up on all the latest Padres news and notes.
Gabe Smallson|
Sep 29, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King (34) reacts after the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Sep 29, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King (34) reacts after the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres had arguably their best regular season from Michael King followed by a postseason that was, without a doubt, his best work. The 2026 campaign, however, could be his last in San Diego if he opts out of the next two years and $58 million due on the remainder of his contract.

King had the most starts (32), highest bWAR (4.3) and most innings (185) of his career during the regular season, all while posting a 3.21 ERA. Of his 14 total innings this postseason, he had a 0.64 ERA, and even earned the save during Game 3 of the National League Division Series on one day of rest.

The right-hander spoke on San Diego feeling like home, and hoping to continue upon his past three successful seasons as a Padre.

"This is where we started a family," King said. "We started our foundation here. San Diego's been incredible for me, and it's all the way across the country from home. But now I feel like I have a second home on the West Coast, so it's been awesome. And yeah, I hope to continue."

In other news, manager Craig Stammen casually revealed who he is rooting for to win the World Series. Since one of the four remaining teams is still a division rival, it can be assumed that he is riding with one of the other three choices.

Finally, right-hander Joe Musgrove spoke on his expectations of Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones and how they will spend this offseason. After the Friars' untimely NLDS exit, the 33-year-old hurler thinks that they will make another run next season with a rejuvenated roster.

“They’ve got our full support, and we know that they’re all about winning this thing,” Musgrove said. “So, we expect some moves in the offseason. You know: Revamp the group, get the pieces that we need and come back and make another run at it.”

Here’s all the latest Padres news and stories (click the headline for the full article):

Padres’ Michael King Addresses Potentially Opting Out of Contract, Becoming Free Agent

Padres' Craig Stammen Casually Revealed Who He's Rooting For to Win World Series

Padres Star Expects New Owners to Be Aggressive This Offseason

How Padres Helped Dodgers Face Jacob Misiorowski in NLCS Game 1

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Gabe Smallson
GABE SMALLSON

Gabe Smallson is a sportswriter based in Los Angeles with a focus in sports and entertainment content. Gabe has previously worked at Newsweek and Dodgers Nation. He graduated from San Francisco State University in 2020 and received his Masters of Science at the University of Southern California in 2025.

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