The Tigers are kicking the tires on free agent right-hander Michael King, and it’s a move that makes a lot of sense given where Detroit’s rotation currently stands. King, who’s also drawn interest from the Cubs, Blue Jays, and Marlins, is one of the more intriguing arms on the market this offseason - though it looks like Toronto and Miami may already be out of the running. The Jays just locked in Cody Ponce on a three-year deal, likely filling their rotation needs, and the Marlins have more pressing holes to patch in the infield and bullpen.
As for King, he’s not coming off the cleanest season health-wise. A nerve issue in his throwing shoulder sidelined him for over two months, and while he did return in September, the results weren’t exactly dominant. Over 15 2/3 innings in the final month, he gave up 10 earned runs and posted an 11:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio - not the kind of line that inspires confidence heading into free agency.
But here’s the thing: when King is healthy, he’s flat-out elite. Just last year, he finished seventh in NL Cy Young voting after putting together a 2.95 ERA over 173 2/3 innings in his first full season as a starter.
And before the shoulder issue cropped up this year, he was actually pitching even better - a 2.59 ERA and a 28% strikeout rate through his first 10 starts. That’s frontline stuff.
The Padres didn’t find any structural damage in the shoulder, which is encouraging. King was healthy by season’s end, but San Diego still opted to roll with Yu Darvish in their Wild Card elimination game, leaving King in the bullpen.
That decision, combined with the fact that the Padres extended a qualifying offer, suggests they believed he was healthy - just not the guy they wanted in a must-win spot. King turned down that offer, betting on himself to land a multi-year deal elsewhere.
At this point, a return to San Diego seems unlikely.
Enter the Tigers, who could really use a reliable arm to slot in behind Tarik Skubal. Right now, Reese Olson looks like the next man up, but he missed the final two months of 2025 with a shoulder strain.
Jack Flaherty is back after picking up his $20 million player option, but his season was a mixed bag. Casey Mize showed flashes, but he profiles more as a mid-rotation piece than a true No.
- And Jackson Jobe - one of the most exciting arms in the system - won’t be back until the second half of 2026 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June.
That leaves rookie Troy Melton, who worked out of the bullpen late in the year, as the likely fifth starter if the season started today. Keider Montero and Sawyer Gipson-Long are in the mix too, but they’re more depth options at this point. Everyone in that group has minor league options, which gives Detroit some flexibility, but it also underscores the need for more proven arms - both in the rotation and the bullpen.
Adding King would be a swing with upside. Yes, there’s risk tied to the shoulder, but the ceiling is undeniable.
If he’s healthy, you’re looking at a guy who can go toe-to-toe with just about any No. 2 in the league - and potentially give you more. For a Tigers team trying to climb back into contention, that’s the kind of move that could change the tone of their season.