Michael King opted out of his contract with the San Diego Padres, and it is paying off right now. King […]
Michael King opted out of his contract with the San Diego Padres, and it is paying off right now. King has a hot free agency market and appears to be the most likely starting pitcher to sign next, as reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The free-agent starting pitcher could earn four to five years on his next contract.
King is a fascinating pitcher after turning from a reliever to a starter for the 2024 MLB season. In 2025, King posted a 3.44 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 15 starts. This was due to injuries to his shoulder and knee throughout the regular season, which knocked him out for roughly half the year.
However, the 30-year-old pitcher is really talented, and if he can overcome the nagging injuries, the sky is the limit. Below, we dive into five potential landing spots for King as MLB rumors suggest a signing is coming soon.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees were King’s first team in MLB. From 2019 to 2023, King was a reliever with New York and thrived in Yankee Stadium. The free-agent starting pitcher was ultimately traded to San Diego for Juan Soto, but New York has an opportunity to bring him back. King is familiar with the Yankees, and the organization needs a starting pitcher, making this a good fit.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have loaded up on starting pitchers, and King would arguably give them the deepest rotation in MLB. Boston is led by Garrett Crochet with several quality starting pitchers behind him, but King would provide an excellent one-two punch. The Red Sox need to keep up in the AL East, and the former Padres pitcher would help in that area.
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles have been very active in MLB free agency, but still need starting pitching. Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish are the top two names; however, there isn’t much behind them right now. Realistically, the Orioles need to add two more starting pitchers to the rotation to compete with the other AL East. King would stabilize a weak rotation and join a team that is dedicated to winning in 2026.
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have been linked to several starting pitchers, and King would be a good fit in Wrigley Field. Chicago doesn’t have many top-end starting pitchers or depth, so the 30-year-old would provide both for the organization. The Cubs are in the market for an elite starting pitcher, and King should be near the top of the list as MLB free agency progresses.
New York Mets
The New York Mets need pitching amid a disastrous offseason. New York lost Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso, while the rotation hasn’t been touched yet. The Mets could rely on Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong to turn around the rotation, but King would be the established ace. The previous era of Mets baseball is over, but King can help bring the team back to the top.
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