Orioles in the Mix for Michael King as Offseason Heats Up
The Orioles made a big splash last week with the Pete Alonso signing, and while things have been relatively quiet since, the stove might be warming back up. According to a report from The Boston Globe, Baltimore is one of a few teams - along with the Yankees and Red Sox - showing strong interest in free-agent starter Michael King. That doesn’t necessarily mean those three are the only contenders, but they’re certainly in the conversation.
King, who began his career with the Yankees, was dealt to San Diego in the Juan Soto blockbuster and has spent the last two seasons with the Padres. After working primarily out of the bullpen in New York, the Padres transitioned him into a starting role - and the results have been promising.
Over his two years in San Diego, King posted a 3.10 ERA and a 3.65 FIP, showing he can handle a starter’s workload - when healthy. That’s the key caveat.
In 2025, he was limited to just 15 starts due to a nerve issue in his shoulder and later dealt with knee inflammation. That’s raised some durability questions, and it's part of the reason his market is so intriguing.
Teams see the upside, but they also see the risk.
For the Orioles, landing King would be a meaningful addition - but it can’t be the only one. Baltimore’s rotation has talent, but it still needs depth and a bit more certainty. King brings upside, but given his limited track record as a full-time starter and the injury concerns, he’s not a set-it-and-forget-it top-of-the-rotation guy just yet.
If the Orioles pair a signing like King with another arm - someone like Ranger Suárez or Tatsuya Imai - it starts to look like a complete offseason. That kind of one-two punch would give Baltimore a more formidable rotation heading into 2026, especially with Alonso now anchoring the lineup.
But if King is the only major pitching addition? That leaves the rotation a little thin and leans heavily on internal development and health.
The good news: things could start moving quickly. King reportedly wants to make a decision soon, and once Imai signs, the rest of the starting pitcher market could fall into place. There’s still time to get everything squared away before the holidays - and that would be a pretty nice gift for an Orioles team that’s clearly trying to take the next step.
Orioles History and Birthdays
Happy birthday to those celebrating today - you share it with four former Orioles. The most familiar name might be Lou Montañez, who played 93 games for Baltimore from 2008 to 2010. After tearing it up in Double-A Bowie, there were high hopes for Montañez, but the transition to the big leagues never quite clicked.
Also born on this day: Ryan Eades (34), Rick Helling (55), and the late Eddie Robinson, who was born in 1920 and passed away in 2021.
A few notable moments in Orioles history also fall on this day:
- In 1962, the Orioles swung a trade with the Giants, bringing in Stu Miller, John Orsino, and Mike McCormick. All three would go on to spend multiple seasons in Baltimore, with Miller becoming a mainstay in the bullpen for five years.
- In 2003, the Orioles selected José Bautista in the Rule 5 draft - only to lose him on waivers to the Devil Rays by June.
Bautista bounced around four teams in 2004 before eventually turning into one of the league’s premier power hitters. Safe to say a few front offices might’ve wanted a do-over on that one.
- And on this day in 2022, Baltimore signed Adam Frazier to a one-year deal, bringing in a veteran presence to help stabilize the infield.
Quick Hits
- Pete Alonso’s arrival continues to make waves in Baltimore. While one big signing doesn’t guarantee more, it’s a sign the Orioles are willing to spend - and that’s a shift fans have been waiting for.
- Alonso’s introductory press conference gave fans a glimpse of his mindset: “not just for myself, but for this team, this town, this sport.” That’s the kind of energy Baltimore can rally around.
The Orioles may not be done yet - and with the rotation still needing reinforcements, the next week or two could be pivotal. Buckle up. The offseason is just getting interesting.