Michael King is ready for a return to the AL East - and the race to land him is heating up fast. The Yankees, Red Sox, and Orioles are all in the mix, and according to reports, King is aiming to make a decision soon.
Let’s set the scene: King is one of the top starting pitchers still available in free agency, and he’s no stranger to the division. He spent the first five years of his career in pinstripes, initially carving out a role as a reliable reliever before making the leap to the Yankees’ rotation late in 2023. That breakout performance helped set the stage for his inclusion in the blockbuster deal that sent Juan Soto to New York and King to San Diego.
Now, after two strong seasons with the Padres, King is looking east again - and he’s got options.
Yankees: A Familiar Fit with a Deepening Rotation
A reunion in the Bronx would be a natural fit. King already knows the organization, the ballpark, and the pressure that comes with wearing Yankee pinstripes. If he returns, he’d slide into a rotation that’s already shaping up to be one of the best in the American League.
With Max Fried atop the staff and Gerrit Cole expected back healthy, adding King would give the Yankees a formidable top three. That kind of depth would allow younger arms like Cam Schlittler and Luis Gil to settle into more manageable roles further down the rotation, while someone like Will Warren could shift into a swingman or long-relief role - a luxury that could pay off over a 162-game grind.
Red Sox: A Homecoming with Questions
Then there’s Boston - a destination that would mean more than just a new uniform for King. He grew up in Rhode Island, starred at Boston College, and would be returning to his roots if he chose the Red Sox. According to reports, the idea of pitching close to home holds real appeal for him.
But the fit isn’t quite as clean on the field. Boston’s rotation is already crowded after the addition of veteran Sonny Gray earlier this offseason. Patrick Sandoval is also expected back after missing 2025 due to elbow surgery, which means the Red Sox would need to get creative to make room for King.
Still, if Boston sees King as a long-term piece - and not just a sentimental signing - there’s a path forward. Adding another high-quality arm could help stabilize a rotation that’s been inconsistent in recent years, and King’s ability to pitch deep into games could take some pressure off the bullpen.
Orioles: A Potential Ace for a Team on the Rise
Baltimore might be the most intriguing option of the three. The Orioles shocked the baseball world with their recent signing of Pete Alonso, signaling that they’re serious about contending - and not just for the AL East, but for a championship.
Now they’re turning their attention to the mound, and King would be a massive upgrade for a rotation that struggled mightily last season. In fact, he’d likely step in as the Orioles’ ace from day one.
Baltimore is reportedly pursuing several other arms as well - including Tatsuya Imai, Ranger Suárez, and Framber Valdez - but King brings a unique combination of familiarity with the division and recent success at the highest level.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
In two seasons with the Padres, King posted a 3.10 ERA, 3.65 FIP, and 1.19 WHIP, racking up 277 strikeouts against 89 walks and even tossing a shutout along the way. That kind of production earned him a seventh-place finish in the 2024 NL Cy Young voting - a clear sign that he’s not just a solid mid-rotation piece, but a potential frontline starter.
King turned down San Diego’s qualifying offer in November, so whichever team signs him will have to give up a compensatory draft pick. But for a pitcher of his caliber - someone who’s proven he can succeed in both the AL East and the National League - that’s a price contenders are willing to pay.
Bottom Line
Michael King is ready to make his choice, and it’s a big one. Whether it’s a return to the Bronx, a homecoming in Boston, or a fresh start as the ace in Baltimore, his next move could shift the balance of power in the AL East.
The division is already a powder keg of talent and ambition. Adding King to any of these rosters only turns up the heat.