Michael King just made a move that changes the free agent market overnight. The San Diego Padres right-hander opted out of the final two years of his contract, dropping a top-tier starter onto the open market. He is 31 years old and has posted a 3.21 ERA with 4.3 wins above replacement over 185 innings this season. Fox Sports reports that King could sign a deal worth less than the $300 million to $400 million price tag expected for Tarik Skubal. This creates a rare chance for teams to get ace-level performance without paying the full premium for a top-ranked name.
The Oakland Athletics need help in their rotation more than almost anyone else. Their starters were among the worst in the majors in home runs allowed and ERA. King would fix this instantly. He has a career postseason earned run average of 1.86 and a 0.76 WHIP over 29 innings. Fox Sports notes that the A’s have a strong lineup with players like Tyler Soderstrom and Nick Kurtz, but their pitching staff is the weak link, costing them games.
Another option is the Houston Astros, who are trying to keep their division title streak alive. The Chicago White Sox swept them in the Wild Card Series even though they won the American League West with an 81-81 record. King’s performance in the playoffs for San Diego was spectacular, giving up just one run over 14 innings. He even came out of the bullpen to secure the final six outs of a crucial Game 3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. This ability to mix roles makes him a perfect fit for a team that needs reliability in high-leverage spots.
The Toronto Blue Jays also fit the profile if they decide to upgrade their offense and pitching at the same time. Their offense was unrecognizable last season, ranking last in the league in runs with 648 and home runs with 152. King brings a four-pitch mix including a sinker, changeup, four-seamer, and sweeper that keeps hitters off balance. ESPN insider Kiley McDaniel projects the entire free agent market will see about $2.65 billion in guarantees, down 12.5 percent from last winter due to less high-end talent. King stands out as the best value in a thinner market.
The Cost of an Ace
Teams are looking for a bargain in a market where the top prize might cost too much. While Tarik Skubal stands as the premier free agent, his deal might extend to eight years for $352 million. King offers a comparable level of quality at a much lower price. He is not just a relief pitcher anymore; he has been a full-time starter since 2024. His 127 ERA+ shows he is well above the league average. A team like Oakland or Houston can get this production without breaking the bank on a six-figure annual salary.
Why the A’s Are the Best Fit
Oakland is the most logical destination because they have the most urgent need. Their rotation gave up the fourth-most walks in the sport with 338. King evades damage and pitches deep into games, which saves the bullpen. With a lineup that hit fifth in home runs and slugging percentage in 2025, the A’s can win if they fix the pitching. Signing King would be a major step toward making a run at the division.
The Postseason Proven
King has already shown he can handle the pressure when it matters most. He was money in the postseason for the Padres, boasting a 1.86 career earned run average. He has the four-pitch mix needed to succeed against any lineup. Teams know that regular season stats can be misleading, but his playoff numbers are undeniable. He throws a sinker, changeup, four-seamer, and sweeper while mixing in a slider.
