Michael King Eyes Return to Padres After NLDS Exit

October contributor. Michael King came through for the San Diego Padres during their NLDS matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers, posting solid numbers across multiple appearances. In Game 2, the right-hander worked five innings and allowed just one run. Two days later in Game 3, he returned and picked up a save with two innings of relief work, demonstrating the kind of reliability a team needs in October baseball.

King's availability for Game 4 underscored his role in the Padres' pitching plans, even as San Diego ultimately fell to Milwaukee. Despite the series loss, the pitcher showed he can perform under postseason pressure—a quality that carries weight beyond a single series.

Looking ahead. The bigger question now centers on free agency and whether King remains with the Padres going forward. His stated openness to returning to San Diego suggests mutual interest, at least from his perspective. For a bullpen that will look to reload this offseason, keeping a reliever who proved reliable in October could be valuable.

King's performance in the series offers evidence that the Padres' investment in him continues to pay dividends, even if the team didn't advance as hoped. Whether San Diego prioritizes keeping him will depend on financial considerations and how they view their pitching needs moving into the 2024 season and beyond.

Source: original report ↗