Instead of putting the pedal to the metal this offseason to reduce the gap between themselves and National League contenders such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, the San Diego Padres have made one of their top pitchers available for trade.
The Padres have placed frontline starter Michael King on the trade block.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Padres have made it possible for other teams to pursue reigning All-MLB Second Team honoree Michael King this winter.
“One reason the open market remains clogged is that teams continue to discuss trades,” Rosenthal said. “The Seattle Mariners’ Luis Castillo and San Diego Padres’ Dylan Cease and Michael King, for example, are among the starting pitchers who remain in play (King asked for $8.8 million in arbitration and the Padres offered $7.325 million; a hearing appears likely).”
Michael King: Dodgers, Padres, Mets, Yankees.
Credit: David Frerker/Imagn Images
King’s departure would significantly impact the Padres rotation, as he performed exceptionally well in 2024. He was one of only 11 pitchers with 200 or more strikeouts last season, retiring 201 batters. The 29-year-old was also an example of efficiency, with a 2.95 ERA and 1.192 WHIP for San Diego.
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Throughout the winter, the Padres have attempted to reduce their payroll and looming contract expirations. That has played a significant role in the franchise’s desire to sell talents such as ace Dylan Cease and three-time batting champion Luis Arraez, both of whom are eligible for unrestricted free agency next year.
Nonetheless, King’s inclusion in that mix adds a fresh dimension to their offseason strategy. San Diego already has a strong rotation, but losing their No. 2 option, who has been predicted to win the 2025 National League Cy Young Award, would be a significant blow.
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