Red Sox Linked to Padres' $71 Million Free Agent to Fix Struggling Rotation - Yahoo Sports
Red Sox Linked to Padres' $71 Million Free Agent to Fix Struggling Rotation originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Even after acquiring Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks in the Rafael Devers trade, the Boston Red Sox’s starting rotation still needs major upgrades. While the team can still scour the trade market ahead of the July 31 deadline, the possibility of finding a long-term solution is thin. Hence why, looking to 2026 free agency may prove a more fruitful experience for Boston.
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In a free agent class headlined by Astros’ left-hander Framber Valdez and Diamondbacks’ right-hander Zach Gallen, Drew Koch of BoSox Injection suggests the Red Sox sign Padres’ Michael King.
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King (34) delivers during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Petco Park.Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
"There will be some talented pitchers hitting free agency this coming winter, and Boston should keep an eye on Michael King. The former New York Yankees reliever has turned himself into a quality starter for the San Diego Padres. With the Friars' excessive payroll, they're unlikely to retain his services," Koch wrote.
King, 30, is in the midst of an excellent 2025 season. Across 55.2 innings, King has a 4-2 record with a 2.59 ERA, 64 strikeouts, and an impressive 1.024 WHIP. The right-hander would make a stellar counterpart to left-handed ace Garrett Crochet and give Boston a second proven starter in a rotation desperate for quality arms.
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As the team braces for the departure of struggling pitchers Walker Buehler (5.95 ERA) and Lucas Giolito (4.73 ERA) in free agency, Boston signing King would erase the mistakes of the 2025 free agent class. There is one caveat to King's free agent status, which may complicate Boston's pursuit. He has a mutual option for the 2026. However, if the 30-year-old believes in his market value ($71 million per Spotrac), he will jump at the chance to become a free agent for the this time in his career.
After trading away Devers, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow needs to save face. While he can sell the fanbase on the potential of the current roster and the recent uptick in performance, pouring significant money into FanGraph’s 17th-ranked starting rotation is a nice first step.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
