Michael King DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The San Diego Padres avoided salary arbitration with right-hander Michael King on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $4 million deal that includes a $15 million mutual option for the 2026 season. King will also receive a $3 million signing bonus and a $1 million salary for 2025. He's guaranteed $7.75 million, and with incentives, he could make as much as $8 million this year. The 30-year-old became a key piece of San Diego's starting rotation last year after being involved in the Juan Soto trade in December of 2023. In a career-high 30 starts in 2024, King ranked fifth in the National League with a 2.95 ERA. His 201 strikeouts were second on the team, and his 173 2/3 innings ranked 14th in the NL. King's name has been involved in trade talks this winter, but the structure of his new deal makes him much less likely to be traded than fellow starter Dylan Cease.

According to Matthew Trueblood of NorthSideBaseball.com, the Chicago Cubs have inquired about a potential trade to acquire San Diego Padres right-handed pitcher Michael King. Throughout the season, the Padres have looked to shed payroll as Dylan Cease and Luis Arraez have been discussed in trade talks but have yet to be dealt. However, according to sources, the Cubs have shown interest in trading for King, and both sides have begun discussions. King is eligible to reach free agency at the end of the 2025 season, which could lower his cost in a trade package as he may only be viewed as a rental. According to Trueblood, sources have indicated that the Cubs may send multiple young, controllable pieces, such as outfield prospect Kevin Alcantara and right-handed pitchers Ben Brown and Javier Assad. The Cubs have also shown interest in Padres closer Robert Suarez. If King were to get shipped to the Northside, expect the Cubs to attempt to extend him to a long-term contract, especially if Brown or Alcantara are in the package. Last season, King made a career-high 30 starts and held a strong 2.95 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP across 173 2/3 innings.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the San Diego Padres and right-handed pitcher Michael King did not come to an agreement prior to the deadline. As a result, they will now exchange arbitration figures. King performed very well in his first season as a full-time starter. Despite his slow start in April, the right-hander posted a 2.95 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP across a career-high 173 2/3 innings. He struck out batters at a strong 27.7% rate and generated hard contact at an elite 30.3% clip. He also generated an above-average 3.59 xERA and a .226 xBA. Fantasy managers should expect King to continue to have a role in the starting rotation in 2025. Given his impressive second half, where he posted a strong 2.15 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP, fantasy managers should view King as a high-upside SP2 in all formats.