A.J. Preller is finding traction amid a low-transaction offseason that seems to have been complicated by a budget crunch. Start with Friday’s breakthrough: the arbitration-avoiding, one-year contract reached between Preller and Padres co-ace Michael King.

Michael King and the Padres have settled to avoid arbitration, per source. King will be guaranteed $7.75 million ($3M signing bonus, $1M salary, $3.75M buyout on a $15M mutual option for 2026). The buyout can become $4M based on number of games started. @sdutKevinAcee was on it.

The Padres and starting pitcher Michael King agreed to terms on a one-year contract Friday in a deal that had something both sides wanted. King got what he felt was fair. The Padres were able to delay paying him about half the money he will be due in 2025.

Padres General Manager AJ Preller is well known for his willingness to swing trades and acquire talent in free agency, something that has propelled San Diego to the playoffs two out of the last three years.

On Friday, the Padres and right-hander Michael King avoided an arbitration hearing with a creative deal that guarantees King $7.75M.