The San Diego Padres’ offseason has been a rollercoaster of disappointment for fans, as the franchise seems to be pivoting from its usual star-chasing approach. With uncertainty surrounding the Seidler family’s ownership, the Padres appear more willing to trade cornerstone players or let them leave in free agency. Fan favorites like Jurickson Profar have already moved on—joining the Braves—and a reunion with Ha-Seong Kim seems unlikely. Adding to the turmoil, ace Dylan Cease is rumored to be on the trade block. Now, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, breakout starter Michael King may also be on his way out.
Michael King Trade Still “In Play,” Says Ken Rosenthal
Rosenthal’s latest report explores the free-agent market but closes with an update sure to frustrate Padres fans.
“One reason the open market remains clogged is that teams continue to discuss trades,” Rosenthal wrote. “The Seattle Mariners’ Luis Castillo and San Diego Padres’ Dylan Cease and Michael King, for example, are the starting pitchers who remain in play.”
Additionally, Rosenthal mentioned King’s unresolved arbitration case, which “appears likely” to go to a hearing. If that happens, it would be the Padres’ first arbitration case in a decade under GM A.J. Preller. The unresolved contract situation only fuels speculation that King could be dealt.
Padres and Michael King at a Standstill
Michael King, a key piece of the Juan Soto trade with the Yankees, emerged as a star in 2024. Transitioning from reliever to starter, he posted an impressive 2.95 ERA (139 ERA+) with 201 strikeouts across 173 ⅔ innings, solidifying his role in the Padres’ rotation. Alongside Dylan Cease, King formed one of MLB’s most dominant pitching duos.
Under the late owner Peter Seidler, a long-term extension for King might have already been in place. But with ownership in limbo, any major financial commitments now seem unlikely. King is under team control through 2025, after which he’ll hit free agency.
Should the Padres Trade Michael King or Dylan Cease?
The Padres’ rotation is already under strain heading into 2025. Joe Musgrove is expected to miss the entire season following Tommy John surgery, and the team recently failed to sign Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki. Trading King or Cease would leave the rotation even thinner unless the return includes elite prospects.
For a team already in dire need of pitching depth, trading two of its best arms would be a risky move, even if it’s to address financial concerns. The Padres may have to keep King and Cease through 2025 and risk losing them in free agency just to remain competitive.
However, with the trade market heating up and San Diego’s financial uncertainty looming, tough decisions lie ahead. Whether Michael King stays with the Padres or becomes the latest high-profile departure, this offseason continues to test the loyalty and patience of Padres fans.
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