MLB Rumors: Mets' No. 1 Free Agent Target Revealed

The New York Mets have made their intentions pretty clear at the Winter Meetings: Michael King is the starter they want at the front of their new-look rotation. 

Multiple reports say King recently met with the Mets over Zoom, and insiders describe him as the club’s top rotation target as David Stearns tries to upgrade the staff without handing out another five or six year deal. 

King posted a 3.44 ERA in 2025 for the San Diego Padres and owns a 3.10 ERA over 45 starts since moving full time into a rotation role.

Why Michael King Fits The Mets’ Pitching Plan

Stearns is reportedly reluctant to commit to long-term contracts for starters, which likely pushes the Mets away from arms like Framber Valdez and other five-plus year candidates. 

King, projected in the three to four year, $75–80 million range, lines up much better with that philosophy. There is risk here. His 2025 season was shortened by shoulder and knee issues, and some of his underlying metrics were less friendly than his 3.44 ERA, especially on the four-seam fastball that gave up too much hard contact. 

REPORT: “Michael King appears to be the Mets’ top rotation target, as a source confirmed that the right-hander recently held a Zoom meeting with the club.”

- @Feinsand pic.twitter.com/keG0JkSe0k

— MetCast (@MetCastPod) December 9, 2025

He also carries a qualifying offer, meaning the Mets would pay a heavy draft and international bonus penalty if they sign him. Even so, his ability to miss bats, and take the ball every fifth day when healthy makes him a better bet than many of the remaining options. 

King, Senga And The Shape Of The 2026 Rotation

If the Mets land King, he is not expected to be the only rotation move. The club still needs to sort out Kodai Senga’s future, with Stearns insisting Senga is feeling closer to his 2023 form while the front office quietly listens on trade interest. 

They also expect Christian Scott back healthy and are already rebuilding the bullpen around Devin Williams with Edwin Diaz moving on. 

I’m a huge Michael King fan, he’s nasty. But if Mets add him to the rotation, you aren’t raising the floor of the rotation much at all. 2025 Mets were in a position where they had to call up 3 starters to fill in their rotation. They need an 200 inning guy somewhere in there.

— Michael Marino (@MarinoMLB) December 9, 2025

Add in King’s familiarity with New York from his New York Yankees days, plus his reported willingness to consider a shorter term deal, and it is easy to see why he checks a lot of boxes for the Mets. 

Photo Credit: Chadd Cady-Imagn Images