MLB Rumors: 3 Free Agent Landing Spots for Michael King

Michael King knew he could make the transition from the bullpen to the rotation, but maybe even he didn't realize how successful a move it would be for him. After two years in the San Diego Padres rotation with a 3.10 ERA, King will head into free agency this winter as one of the top available starters for sale.

He signed a $7.75 million contract with the Padres this year to avoid arbitration, with a mutual option for $15 million for 2026. After his continued success, he will undoubtedly decline his part of that option, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Let's have a look at three teams that are viable landing spots for Michael King this offseason.

New York Yankees

Wouldn't they love to right their wrong? King spent the first four years of his career with the Yankees, but of his 115 appearances, 96 of them were out of the bullpen. Now that they've seen what he can do in the rotation, it wouldn't be surprising for the two to reunite. King had a 3.38 ERA in his time in the Bronx, with a 1.19 WHIP and a 10.2 K/9 vs 3.0 BB/9, almost identical to his time as a starter in San Diego. 

Toronto Blue Jays

We've discussed this before, but the Jays will be needing to fill a few rotation spots this winter, with three starters entering free agency (Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber—if he opts out of his $16M option, which he is expected to do). The Jays are likely to be in on all of the top starters on the open market, including Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease and King, in addition to trade target Sonny Gray.

San Diego Padres

The incumbents will hold a lot of cachet with King, since they're the ones who took the leap of faith and agreed to give him a shot at being a full-time starter. It's why he signed with them back in the 2023 offseason. If they're able to stay competitive with an offer, it may give them a leg up on the competition. 

Photo: © Denis Poroy-Imagn Images