Since being traded to the San Diego Padres ahead of the 2024 season, Michael King has flourished as a starting pitcher, quickly establishing himself as a key part of their rotation. King, originally developed in the New York Yankees’ farm system, faced a setback in 2022 when he fractured his elbow, requiring season-ending surgery. Despite this injury, he bounced back in 2023, delivering solid performances that helped him become a crucial piece of the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to the Yankees.
Since joining the Padres, King has continued to impress, showing significant potential as he heads toward free agency after the 2025 season. His performance has surprised many, with one MLB executive stating to The Athletic, “I was skeptical he could make it work, and now he looks like he’s a year away from $100 million [or more].” This comment highlights just how far King’s stock has risen since his trade to San Diego.
King’s transition from reliever to starter has been one of the most notable aspects of his career. After spending three seasons in the Yankees’ bullpen, he was moved to a starting role with the Padres, and the change has proven to be a successful one. In 33 starts during the 2024 season, King posted an impressive 2.95 ERA over 173.2 innings, cementing his place as one of the top pitchers in the league.
As he continues to evolve and refine his skills, King’s future looks incredibly bright. With his performance in San Diego, he has positioned himself as one of the top free-agent pitchers to watch, and it’s not hard to see why many are predicting a lucrative contract once he hits the market. His remarkable turnaround from injury and his successful shift to a starting role have made him one of the most exciting young arms in baseball.
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