Athletics Eye John King as Ideal Left-Handed Relief Option
The Oakland Athletics find themselves actively pursuing reinforcements as they look to bolster their roster. With needs across the diamond—including a second baseman, a third baseman, and support in the starting rotation—the A’s are also on the lookout for a left-handed relief pitcher. Recent developments from the St. Louis Cardinals have put John King squarely on their radar.
The Cardinals’ Decision
In a surprising move, the Cardinals opted to non-tender King, making him a free agent. This decision opens the door for the A’s to acquire a pitcher who fits their needs perfectly. King, originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 10th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, was traded to the Cardinals in 2023 as part of the deal for Jordan Montgomery.
King’s Track Record
Over his three seasons with the Cardinals, King has compiled a commendable 3.33 ERA across 127 innings. His performance has been particularly impressive in two of those seasons, showcasing his potential as a valuable asset. However, his last campaign did not meet his usual standards. In 51 appearances, King posted a 4.66 ERA (5.00 FIP) over 48 1/3 innings, marred by a high 21.1% home run-to-fly ball ratio.
A closer examination reveals some of the challenges he faced. A significant factor was the effectiveness of his sinker, which he relied on heavily against left-handed batters, throwing it 66% of the time. Unfortunately, this pitch often found itself in the wrong zones, leading to more home runs than he typically allows. In stark contrast, King boasted an impressive 60% ground ball rate, placing him in the 98th percentile for the season. This is particularly relevant for the A’s, who finished last in ground ball rate at 37.4%.
Analyzing King’s Potential Fit
The Athletics could greatly benefit from a pitcher with King’s ground ball tendencies, especially considering their current pitching challenges. His two prior seasons showcased his capability, combining for 97 1/3 innings with a strong 3.14 ERA (135 ERA+) and a 3.71 FIP. Furthermore, King exhibited solid control, limiting walks to just 6.3%, which ranked in the 79th percentile last year.
While King isn’t known for overpowering hitters—averaging 93 miles per hour on his sinker—he excels at avoiding barrels, ranking in the 91st percentile for barrel percentage. His chase rate, hovering around 29.9%, also positioned him in the 70th percentile, demonstrating his ability to induce swings outside the strike zone.
Comparisons to Current Roster
What stands out about King is his resemblance to T.J. McFarland, a lefty specialist who the A’s re-signed last offseason. However, the context has shifted. The A’s are poised to be a more competitive team in 2026, which could lead to fewer high-pressure situations for a left-handed reliever. This shift in dynamics could provide King with a more favorable environment to showcase his skills and contribute effectively.
As the Athletics continue their search for pitching solutions, John King represents an opportunity that aligns with their strategic goals. His left-handedness and ability to generate ground balls make him an attractive target as the team looks to solidify its bullpen and enhance overall performance.
