The source of the loud whoosh that blew into San Diego last week from Padres camp in Peoria, Ariz., was a robust sigh of relief from Padres

The San Diego Padres could be sticking with Michael King regardless of whether they sign free-agent starter Nick Pivetta. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, King "is far less likely to be dealt" than fellow right-hander Dylan Cease.

San Diego has inked free agent pitcher Nick Pivetta to a four-year, $55 million contract with two opt-outs, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. BREAKING: Right-hander Nick Pivetta and the San Diego Padres are in agreement on a four-year,

Right-hander Nick Pivetta has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres on a four-year, $55 million free-agent contract, reports ESPN. According to Jeff Passan, the deal includes opt-outs after the second and third years and is backloaded -- a $3 million signing bonus and just $1 million in salary for the upcoming season.

The San Diego Padres bought into the arms race in the National League West by signing right-hander Nick Pivetta to a four-year deal and adding free agent Kyle Hart.

The San Diego Padres were relatively quiet all offseason when it came to adding to the roster until striking gold on Wednesday. San Diego reportedly agreed to a

With the brothers and wife of late owner Peter Seidler fighting for control of the team, the Padres have had a rather quiet offseason, adding outfielders Jason Heyward and Connor Joe.

The question now becomes how the signing will impact the status of Padres pitcher Dylan Cease, a potential Mets trade target.

Pivetta, last in Boston, has accepted a backloaded $55 million contract with San Diego, the Associated Press and ESPN reported.