The Atlanta Braves have a good bit of decisions to make to improve their roster ahead of the 2027 season. With the Brewers' World Series win over the Rays, the focus can officially shift to weighing Atlanta's options. Starting pitching needs to be a focus, and an intriguing option just became available.
Michael King made one of the offseason's first major announcements when he opted out of the final two years of his three-year, $75 million contract with San Diego. It was already a hefty price tag for the right-hander, but he is likely seeking a longer-term contract.
It's easy to understand why he would opt out of the final two years. King was incredibly good for the Padres in 2026, with a 3.21 ERA, 70 walks, 159 strikeouts, and a career-high 4.3 bWAR over 32 starts (185 innings). That impressive work extended into the postseason, as King posted a 0.64 ERA over 14 innings, with five walks and 15 strikeouts. He was virtually unhittable, and that's something that the Braves could desperately use.
Michael King would be a perfect free agent addition for the Braves
King's $25 million AAV was pretty good for the production he provides. However, Spotrac now shows his market value at just under $30 million per season. It will likely take a long-term deal around that amount to land the right-hander.
Alex Anthopoulos has been hesitant in the past to hand out long-term contracts to free-agent pitchers. However, that has come back to bite them in back-to-back seasons. It's time to change that and go after a pitcher who could make an immediate impact on the rotation.
Let's assume the $30 million figure for King's salary to come up with a potential contract offer. The Braves could consider a four-year, $120 million contract with King, including a fifth-year player option to get the job done.
Atlanta typically likes to do mutual options with players, but giving King the option may make more sense in this case. It would put King closer to his home on the East Coast, but he has mentioned wanting to return to the Padres.
San Diego has until November 2nd to exclusively negotiate a deal with King before he hits the open market. So, this could all be a moot point in a matter of days. If he is available, the Braves would be wise to make a deal happen.
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