The San Diego Padres have kept a low profile this winter, but that’s about to change. As the 2025 MLB season approaches, rumors are circulating that the Padres might make a significant trade, with one of their most surprising candidates being starting pitcher Michael King. Although the Padres have been linked to a few potential trade targets in recent weeks, King’s name has now emerged as a surprising possibility in the trade market.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that King could be on his way out of San Diego, joining other starting pitchers like Dylan Cease, who had been flagged as a trade candidate earlier in the offseason. Both Cease and King are heading into the final year of their arbitration control, which may be driving the Padres’ decision to explore trade options before they potentially lose both players in free agency. Rosenthal notes that trade talks have been a major factor in keeping the free-agent market sluggish, with several teams still discussing potential trades. For instance, King, along with Cease and other pitchers like Seattle Mariners’ Luis Castillo, remain in play. King reportedly requested $8.8 million in arbitration, while the Padres offered $7.325 million, hinting that an arbitration hearing could be on the horizon if they can’t come to an agreement.
The uncertainty in the free-agent market could partly stem from the ongoing trade discussions, with notable starters like Jack Flaherty, Max Scherzer, Nick Pivetta, and Jose Quintana still available. As the Padres look to address various needs, they have found themselves in a position of limited financial flexibility, which could make trading King an appealing option.
King had a standout 2024 season, finishing with a 2.95 ERA and a 13-9 record across 173.2 innings pitched. He also struck out 201 batters, a testament to his effectiveness on the mound. His contributions helped the Padres in the postseason, where he made two starts and posted a solid 3.75 ERA in 12 innings. Despite his strong performance, the Padres have a number of other needs to address this winter, including bolstering their rotation and improving their lineup in left field and catcher. As a result, King’s trade candidacy comes into focus, even though his performance last season was strong.
Padres President of Baseball Operations, A.J. Preller, has acknowledged that the team has received numerous calls regarding players during the Winter Meetings. However, no trade has been finalized yet. Despite the quiet offseason, fans are starting to grow restless, hoping that some significant moves will take place soon. Preller expressed that while the team had been aggressive in the past, the pace of this offseason has been slower, with some moves only materializing later in the process. In his comments, Preller emphasized the Padres’ strong core and foundation, stating, “We’ve got a really good core and good foundation we like a lot, and we’ve got some needs as well.” Still, the Padres’ lack of movement so far has left fans uneasy, wondering when and where the first big trade will take place.
With several areas still requiring attention, including a possible upgrade at left field and catcher, it’s clear that the Padres need to make some moves to remain competitive. As the trade discussions surrounding Michael King intensify, fans and analysts alike are questioning whether this could be the moment the Padres make a significant shift in their roster, potentially trading one of their key pitchers in the process. Whether the Padres ultimately move King or not, the trade rumors surrounding him signal that major decisions are looming as the 2025 season approaches.
In conclusion, while the Padres have had a quiet offseason thus far, the recent speculation around Michael King’s future with the team suggests that major changes could be on the horizon. As the team navigates its limited financial flexibility and the growing list of needs, trading King might be the first step in reshaping the roster. Padres fans will no doubt be watching closely to see if the front office ultimately pulls the trigger on this unexpected move. The next few weeks could prove crucial in determining the direction the team will take ahead of the new season.
