Michael King arrived as a relative unknown in Padres camp last spring. A year later, the former reliever will start for them on Opening Day.

Manager Mike Shildt announced Monday that Michael King is set to start the season opener over Dylan Cease, per Padres insider Dennis Lin. Both starters have been the subject of trade rumors all offseason, but it does appear that San Diego will keep both of them. King just signed a $7.75 million deal in January to avoid arbitration.

It’s clear that Michael King earned the right to be the Opening Day starter for the San Diego Padres. However, that decision made by manager Mike Shildt set up what should be a very interesting internal competition for the Friars throughout the rest of 2025.