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The San Diego Padres took a massive risk following the 2023 season, giving up one guaranteed season of perennial MVP candidate Juan Soto in exchange for five New York Yankees, including talented pitcher Michael King.
Although the Yankees won the battle (AKA the American League pennant), it isn’t unrealistic to suggest the Padres are winning the war. King broke out for 13 wins, a 2.95 ERA, and 201 strikeouts over 31 games (30 starts) last season.
Meanwhile, Soto now plays for the NL East-leading Mets, and the Yankees desperately need rotation stability. They won’t find it in King, not while he’s posting a 2.09 ERA for the surging Padres.
Speaking with reporters Monday, King acknowledged he’s grateful the Yankees sent him to San Diego.
“I think it was huge for my development,” King said, according to NJ.com. “I definitely think I was given a longer leash as a starter over here.”
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael KingDenis Poroy-Imagn Images
King finished seventh in NL Cy Young voting last year, and his 4.1 bWAR tied for 13th among pitchers. Only five NL pitchers had a higher bWAR, and Padres teammate Dylan Cease also posted a 4.1 bWAR across his league-high 33 starts.
King said Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla has been “incredible” in the 29-year-old’s development. Last year marked King’s first full season in the rotation, though he made 19 starts during his five seasons with the Yankees.
“[Niebla] knew how to manage my innings,” King explained, “but also make sure that I was strong enough to get through a full season and be strong for the following year.”
Barring injury, King has positioned himself to earn a significant payday come the offseason. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden predicted the Baltimore Orioles would sign King to a five-year, $182 million deal.
There should be no shortage of contenders bidding for King’s services. Don’t be surprised to see the Yankees join that conversation, as long as there’s a slim chance King wants to wear the pinstripes again.
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Although the Yankees won the battle (AKA the American League pennant), it isn’t unrealistic to suggest the Padres are winning the war. King broke out for 13 wins, a 2.95 ERA, and 201 strikeouts over 31 games (30 starts) last season.
Meanwhile, Soto now plays for the NL East-leading Mets, and the Yankees desperately need rotation stability. They won’t find it in King, not while he’s posting a 2.09 ERA for the surging Padres.
Speaking with reporters Monday, King acknowledged he’s grateful the Yankees sent him to San Diego.
“I think it was huge for my development,” King said, according to NJ.com. “I definitely think I was given a longer leash as a starter over here.”
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San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael KingDenis Poroy-Imagn Images
King finished seventh in NL Cy Young voting last year, and his 4.1 bWAR tied for 13th among pitchers. Only five NL pitchers had a higher bWAR, and Padres teammate Dylan Cease also posted a 4.1 bWAR across his league-high 33 starts.
King said Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla has been “incredible” in the 29-year-old’s development. Last year marked King’s first full season in the rotation, though he made 19 starts during his five seasons with the Yankees.
“[Niebla] knew how to manage my innings,” King explained, “but also make sure that I was strong enough to get through a full season and be strong for the following year.”
Barring injury, King has positioned himself to earn a significant payday come the offseason. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden predicted the Baltimore Orioles would sign King to a five-year, $182 million deal.
There should be no shortage of contenders bidding for King’s services. Don’t be surprised to see the Yankees join that conversation, as long as there’s a slim chance King wants to wear the pinstripes again.
Related: Yankees Exploring $90 Million Position Change Amid Losing Streak
Related: Yankees Suggested To Make Risky $40 Million Trade After Latest Collapse
Related: Yankees Suggested To Make Risky $40 Million Trade After Latest Collapse
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