Rather than pushing aggressively to close the gap between themselves and National League rivals like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets, the San Diego Padres have surprised many by making one of their premier pitchers, Michael King, available for trade.
Michael King Reportedly on the Trade Block
As reported by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Padres are open to discussing deals involving Michael King, a 2024 All-MLB Second Team honoree (via Valentina Martinez of San Diego Padres on SI).
“One reason the open market remains clogged is that teams continue to discuss trades,” Rosenthal explained. “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.)”
King’s Stellar 2024 Season
King had an impressive 2024 campaign, becoming one of only 11 pitchers to surpass 200 strikeouts, finishing with 201. The 29-year-old also delivered a strong 2.95 ERA and 1.192 WHIP, cementing himself as a reliable and efficient option in the Padres’ rotation.
Padres’ Offseason Salary-Shedding Strategy
Throughout the offseason, the Padres have focused on reducing payroll and moving players with expiring contracts. This approach has already placed other stars like ace Dylan Cease and three-time batting champion Luis Arraez on the trade block. Both players are set to hit unrestricted free agency next fall, making them potential trade chips
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King’s Potential Departure Adds Complexity
Including King in trade discussions introduces a new layer of complexity to the Padres’ offseason plans. While their rotation remains strong, losing King—arguably their No. 2 starter—would deal a significant blow. The pitcher has even been mentioned as an early contender for the 2025 National League Cy Young Award, highlighting his value to the team.
If the Padres ultimately part ways with King, it would mark a dramatic shift in their approach, potentially signaling a broader restructuring of their roster.
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