The Red Sox have been busy this offseason, and while early moves pointed to a focus on pitching, many expected the next step would be to shift gears and address the offense. But even with arms like Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo already added to the mix, Boston’s name kept popping up in connection with more pitching - including one intriguing target: Michael King.
King, who spent time with both the Yankees and Padres, was reportedly drawing interest from multiple American League East contenders, including the Red Sox, Yankees, and Orioles. On December 14, reports suggested those three teams were the finalists for his services, and that a decision was imminent.
That turned out to be premature. Five days later, King made his call - and it wasn’t to return to the AL East.
Instead, King re-signed with the Padres on a three-year, $75 million deal, with player options for the second and third seasons. It’s a contract that came in a bit lighter than many expected for a starter of his caliber, but also reflects some of the questions surrounding him.
King has electric stuff and has flashed top-of-the-rotation potential, but durability has been a concern. In seven big league seasons, he’s only once thrown more than 105 innings.
From Boston’s perspective, missing out on King isn’t exactly a gut punch. While his upside is real, he wasn’t a clean fit for what the Red Sox need most right now.
They’ve been searching for a reliable No. 2 to slot in behind Garrett Crochet, and King’s injury history makes him a bit of a gamble in that role. On top of that, he didn’t end up with a division rival, so if he does put together a full, healthy season, the Red Sox won’t have to face him 4-5 times a year.
There’s also the draft pick factor. King had turned down a $22.025 million qualifying offer from the Padres earlier this offseason, which meant any team signing him would’ve had to give up a 2026 draft pick.
For a front office that’s been aggressive on the trade market but cautious with long-term risk, that was likely a sticking point. King’s contract also includes opt-outs after each of the next two seasons, which could’ve made the investment even riskier if he pitched well and walked after a year.
Then there’s the matter of roster construction. Boston’s rotation is already crowded, and adding King would’ve required more than just money - it would’ve meant making another trade to clear space.
With Crochet, Gray, Oviedo, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Kyle Harrison, Patrick Sandoval, Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, and others in the mix, there’s already a logjam competing for the back end of the rotation. King’s addition might’ve improved the group on paper, but it would’ve created a ripple effect that forced the Red Sox to move pieces around just to make it work.
It’s worth noting that King, a Rhode Island native, reportedly would’ve “loved” to pitch in Boston. And there’s no doubt he could’ve helped - when healthy, he’s got the kind of swing-and-miss stuff that plays in October.
But in the end, the fit just wasn’t quite right. The Red Sox are already deep in arms, and now they can shift their focus to the other side of the ball - the offense that still needs a jolt - without having to worry about King dominating in a Yankees or Orioles uniform.
Bottom line: the Red Sox didn’t land Michael King, but they also didn’t lose him to a rival. With a rotation that’s already been reshaped and a draft pick still in hand, Boston can move forward with flexibility - and that might be the biggest win of all.