MLB free agency threatens to leave us with several surprises, one of which could be the return of Michael King to New York, although this time to the Mets.
According to recent reports, the club is exploring the possibility of signing Michael King, one of the most interesting starters available this winter.
Why is Michael King an attractive option for the Mets?
The 30-year-old, who was born in New York and trained largely with the Yankees, has also been linked with teams such as the Chicago Cubs, but it seems that the Mets could be fully in the fight for his services.
It is not surprising the interest of the Mets in King, since after a disappointing 2025 season, in which the team fell far short of expectations, the organization understood that it needs to strengthen its rotation with proven arms and King fits perfectly into that need.
Michael King’s numbers
Since his transition to a full-time starter with the San Diego Padres in 2024, Michael King has proven to have ace material. That year he posted a 2.95 ERA, numbers that led him to finish seventh in the National League Cy Young voting. His mix of control, deep repertoire and experience in high-pressure situations have made him a highly coveted piece.
Despite injuries limiting his appearances in 2025, (only 15 starts) King managed a solid 3.44 ERA, making it clear that his level is still high and that he can immediately contribute to any rotation.
King not only knows the pressure of playing in New York: he was born there and made his debut with the Yankees, so coming to Queens would not be unfamiliar territory. In addition, his discipline and work ethic fit the type of profile the Mets’ front office is looking for as it rebuilds its identity on the mound.
What do the Mets need in their rotation?
The Mets have already been linked to other impact starters such as Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen, confirming that the club is determined to make significant moves. The goal is clear: to surround the team with quality pitchers to compete and avoid repeating last year’s ups and downs.
With Kodai Senga as the pillar, New York requires at least one or two more starters to consolidate a staff that can compete with the best offenses in the National League. King could be that ideal complement, a reliable pitcher with a high ceiling and ready to assume an important role.
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