Michael King Free Agent Update: Teams Tracking Yankees Reliever

Michael King has quickly become one of the most intriguing arms on the free-agent market. He’s got ace-level upside when things are working, but his medical history makes front offices anxious.

This article digs into King’s performance, injury risk, market value, and which teams might actually roll the dice on his unusual mix of risk and reward.

The High-Risk, High-Reward Profile of Michael King

In an offseason that’s light on frontline starters, Michael King stands out as a classic boom-or-bust option. When he’s healthy, scouts see him as a legit top-10 starter in MLB, the type of pitcher who can shift a playoff race.

The problem is whether he can stay healthy enough for that talent to matter.

King’s recent history is a mix of dominance, reinvention, and frustration. He moved from the bullpen to the Yankees’ rotation late in 2023 and showed that his stuff could hold up against lineups more than once through the order.

From Reliever to Rotation Force

His rise really took off when the Yankees stretched him out in 2023. He carried that momentum into 2024, breaking out as one of the National League’s most effective starters and finishing seventh in NL Cy Young voting.

Over 31 appearances, he posted a 2.95 ERA with 201 strikeouts, flashing swing-and-miss pitches and the calm of a veteran starter.

That kind of year made teams believe: when King’s right, he’s not just a mid-rotation guy—he’s got ace potential, plain and simple.

A Brilliant Start to 2025… Until the Shoulder Barked

King started 2025 looking like a man on a mission to prove 2024 wasn’t a fluke. The fastball had zip, the command was crisp, and hitters just couldn’t figure him out.

Through his first 10 starts, he had a 2.59 ERA and a 28% strikeout rate. That’s the kind of profile that puts you at the top of any rotation.

The Nerve Injury That Changed His Season

Then came the setback: a nerve issue in his throwing shoulder. It wasn’t a structural injury—so there’s hope for a full recovery—but it still cost him nearly three months.

For any team thinking about a long-term deal, that’s a big red flag.

When King came back in the second half, he just didn’t look the same. His command slipped, and the results did too.

In five starts, he gave up 12 runs in just 17 1/3 innings, battling his mechanics and his feel for the strike zone. It wasn’t a total collapse, but it did raise questions about how dependable he’ll be in the short term.

Durability Concerns: A History That Won’t Go Away

King’s shoulder issue isn’t an isolated thing. Durability has followed him—and not in a good way—throughout his career.

That history is a big part of how teams are valuing him now, both in years and dollars.

He’s had several major setbacks in recent seasons, including hand and elbow injuries that cost him time during what should’ve been his prime development years.

A Timeline of Key Injuries

Teams digging into King’s medicals will circle three seasons:

None of these injuries alone are career-enders, but together they show a pitcher who’s taken his share of hits. Teams aren’t just buying his best 25 starts—they’re betting he can keep giving them 25 starts a year, moving forward.

Qualifying Offer Fallout and Contract Projection

There’s another wrinkle: he turned down a qualifying offer from the Padres. That means any team signing him owes draft-pick compensation, which tends to scare off a few suitors.

Even so, the consensus is that King’s going to get paid. Most expect him to land something like four years and $80 million, a nod to both his upside and the lack of big arms on the market.

Why King Might Prefer Flexibility

From King’s side, a different contract structure makes sense. With his ceiling, he might want a shorter deal with an opt-out clause after a year or two.

If he puts up another Cy Young-type season and proves the injuries are behind him, he could hit free agency again for a bigger payday. It’s a gamble, but for a guy with this kind of talent, it’s not a wild idea.

Which Teams Are in on Michael King?

Despite the medical red flags and draft compensation, teams are still lining up. Clubs that need rotation help know you rarely get a shot at a potential frontline arm without paying big money or trading away top prospects.

With King, it’s money, risk, and a pick—not your best young player.

A bunch of teams have been linked to King, which says a lot about both his versatility and the league’s hunger for pitching.

The Most Notable Suitors

Here are some teams that stand out for both need and fit:

The Padres’ unwillingness to match his expected price opens the door for more aggressive teams, especially the Mets and Orioles, who are still hunting for mid-rotation or better arms to anchor their playoff pushes.

The Verdict: A Gamble Contender’s Can’t Ignore

Michael King is the kind of pitcher who can reshape an offseason. He’s talented enough to change a franchise, but risky enough that any contract feels like a bit of a gamble.

Teams with real faith in their medical staff and pitching coaches will probably push hardest for him. For contenders who need frontline pitching, King offers a rare shot they usually don’t get without giving up elite prospects.

If he stays healthy, he’s got Cy Young potential. But if his body gives out, he might just end up as another expensive what-if. The pitching market’s pretty thin, so honestly, a lot of clubs might just decide that’s a risk they’re willing to take.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Latest On Michael King’s Market