The San Diego Padres’ ace Michael King made a bold move on Tuesday. He chose to leave the last two years of his three-year contract. This decision puts a top-of-the-rotation starter on the open market. King is an All-Star-caliber right-hander who has been one of the best pitchers in the sport since 2024. Over 185 innings last season, he posted 4.3 wins above replacement with a 3.21 ERA. Fox Sports reports that King is now available for teams that need a true anchor. His career postseason numbers are even more impressive, with a 1.86 ERA over 29 innings. The 31-year-old pitcher throws four main pitches and mixes in a slider to keep hitters off balance.
The Oakland A’s Need a Rotation Fix
The Oakland Athletics are the first team that fits King’s profile perfectly. Their starting rotation allowed 150 home runs in 2026, the most in MLB. They also ranked 29th in ERA and gave up the fourth-most walks in the sport. J.T. Ginn was the A’s only bright spot, recording a 3.71 ERA across 138 innings. King would solve their biggest problem by giving them a veteran leader who pitches deep into games. Fox Sports notes that the A’s still have a strong offensive core led by Tyler Soderstrom and Nick Kurtz. They were fifth in hits and seventh in home runs last season despite winning only 64 games. Adding King to the pitching rotation of a lineup that already hits well could help them challenge the Houston Astros for the division title.
Can the Astros Reignite Their Playoff Run?
The Houston Astros are another strong option if King wants to chase a championship. Following their Wild Card Series sweep by the Chicago White Sox, the Astros’ mystique is diminishing. King’s playoff performance for the Padres was spectacular, surrendering just one run over 14 innings. In a key Game 3 victory versus the Milwaukee Brewers, he entered from the bullpen to secure the final six outs. While the A’s need help to become contenders, the Astros are already close to the top.
Why the Market Might Be Surprised
Most teams will look for a cheaper alternative before spending big on a pitcher like King. ESPN‘s Kiley McDaniel notes that the rest of the free agent market is weaker than usual. While Tarik Skubal stands as the premier free agent, his deal might exceed $300 million. King offers similar value without the massive price tag of a $400 million deal. The current collective bargaining agreement ends on Dec. 1, which adds uncertainty to the market. Teams might hesitate to spend too much now with a potential lockout looming. King has a consistent four-pitch mix and can pitch deep innings. His 127 ERA+ and ability to evade damage prove he is ready for a long-term role.
