Padres face offseason dilemma with Michael King’s free agency looming
The San Diego Padres are approaching a critical juncture as they contemplate the future of starting pitcher Michael King this offseason. Entering free agency at the conclusion of the season, King is poised to attract significant interest across the league.
A pivotal trade and a new role
King’s journey took a dramatic turn when he was included in the high-profile trade that sent Juan Soto from the Padres to the New York Yankees in December 2023. Initially recognized as one of the premier relief pitchers in baseball while with the Yankees, King has successfully transitioned into a starting role since joining the Padres, solidifying his reputation as one of the top pitchers in the game.
Injury concerns cloud his value
However, despite his impressive performance, injuries have cast a shadow over King’s market value. Over two seasons in San Diego, he has posted a commendable 3.20 ERA, with a record of 17 wins and 12 losses and a striking 270 strikeouts across 239.1 innings. This season, King’s numbers reflect a 3.84 ERA and a 4-3 record, but his contributions have been hampered by a series of injuries that have kept him sidelined.
Market outlook and expert opinions
Jake Mintz of Yahoo! Sports has recognized King as one of the top 25 free agents available this winter, yet he expressed reservations about King’s durability throughout his career. “I’m officially worried about King,” Mintz commented. “San Diego is light on starting pitching, which means King should get a playoff start barring another injury. But he still needs to prove that he’s healthy for a team to go all-in. I wouldn’t be shocked by a short-term, high-value deal with opt-outs.”
Padres’ playoff aspirations
As the Padres push toward a potential deep playoff run, King will remain a crucial figure in their rotation. Currently, the Padres are firmly positioned in the second Wild Card slot in the National League as the season draws to a close. How they navigate King’s impending free agency will be a significant storyline in the offseason, balancing the need for pitching depth against the risks posed by his injury history.
