The Chicago Cubs could be staring at a major rotation reset, and the search for a true front-line arm may start with a familiar type of gamble: a high-end starter who can change the look of the staff when he’s healthy.
According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, the Cubs are a top five landing spot for San Diego Padres right-hander Michael King.
That fits because Chicago’s current rotation picture is in flux. Rymer noted that "[Shota] Imanaga, [David] Peterson and [Kevin] Gausman are unrestricted free agents, [Matthew] Boyd has a mutual option for 2027 that is unlikely to be exercised, and [Clay] Holmes will almost certainly decline his $12M player option for next season," leaving the Cubs with plenty of uncertainty as they look ahead.
What remains is a group that could include Justin Steele, who is expected back from prolonged surgery rehab, along with hopes for a rebound from Edward Cabrera. There are also a few other arms who could handle the back end, but the bigger issue is obvious: Chicago is missing an ace.
King would check that box if the Cubs decide to go big. He carries a 1.86 ERA in seven postseason appearances and has been one of the best starters in the majors when healthy. The health piece matters, though it didn’t stop him from logging a career-high 185 innings and making 32 starts in his third season with the Padres.
The financial angle could also work in Chicago’s favor. Rymer pointed out that the Cubs should have money opening up, particularly if Boyd walks away from his deal. He noted that Imanaga and Boyd combined to make $37 million in 2026, and that’s the kind of space that could help the Cubs make a run at King.
Tarik Skubal could also be on Chicago’s radar, but King stands as a strong fallback and one that should draw plenty of competition if he reaches the market.
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Padres Deadline Gamble Became A Frustrating Miss When It Mattered Most
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Instead, the deal has been hard to defend as the season has played out. Mize never found much traction after arriving in San Diego, and the expected boost on the mound never really materialized before an ankle injury sent him to the injured list. What was framed as a calculated gamble now reads more like a frustrating miss, especially with the Padres having paid real prospect capital for a return that fell well short of what they needed. [Read more 🡒]
Padres Suddenly Linked To An Outfield Move That Could Test Tatis
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Kwan would not just be another depth add, though. San Diego has shown past interest in him, and if the club seriously pushes in that direction, it could force some real thought about how the batting order is constructed around Fernando Tatis Jr. for next season, which is part of what makes this rumor worth watching as the winter market develops. [Read more 🡒]
Michael King Just Addressed The Padres Question Fans Keep Asking
Michael Kings postseason run naturally stirred up the kind of contract chatter that follows any pitcher who looks like hes raised his value on the biggest stage. For Padres fans, the question has lingered because King is not just another arm in the rotation, he has become one of the most important pieces of the staff and a pitcher the organization would prefer to keep in place.
King addressed the speculation directly and made clear he would like to stay in San Diego, describing the city as a second home. The contract mechanics still leave room for a decision down the road, with money and timing set to become a bigger part of the conversation as the deal moves forward, but for now the more interesting part is the tone King set after the season: he sounded like someone who wants this to keep going. [Read more 🡒]