Michael King Landing Spots: 3 potential destinations for San Diego Padres pitcher as trade rumors swirl

It was a tremendous 2024 campaign for San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King. The 29-year-old was tremendous in his first full season with the Friars, proving why he was such an essential piece of the blockbuster Juan Soto trade to the New York Yankees.

Through 173.1 innings with the Padres, King posted a 13-9 record with a 2.95 ERA and 201 strikeouts. King set new career-high numbers across the board, establishing himself as a true star.

That being said, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reported on Monday that the Padres have made King available on the trade market.

While King is a top-tier pitcher, he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025 season and the Padres have been interested in lowering their total salary. As a result, King could find himself on the move before the beginning of the new season.

Here's a closer look at 3 potential landing spots for Michael King as trade rumors heat up

#1 - Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles might be the perfect trade candidate when it comes to Michael King. The Orioles will enter 2025 as one of the top teams in the American League, however, they have struggled to replace Corbin Burnes, who left in free agency.

King could become arguably the best pitcher on the staff, and Baltimore has plenty of prospect pieces that it could use to get a deal done. The Orioles have a number of prospects such as Coby Mayo competing for a limited amount of spots in the lineup, so a deal for a player like King could be in the best interest of both clubs.

#2 - Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are no strangers to blockbuster trades. So far this offseason, the Cubs have already acquired Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros while also sending Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees.

King could be an intriguing target for the club as they look to reach the postseason for the first time since 2020. Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Michael King could be a legit Big 3.

#3 - Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers underperformed across the board in 2024. However, if the team can come into the new season fully healthy, it could be a force again in the AL. The one area that could use some strengthening is their pitching rotation.

Michael King could be a massive improvement to a rotation that has some solid veterans such as Nathan Eovaldi and the oft-injured Jacob deGrom. It remains to be seen what the price tag on King will be, however, he could be an interesting target for the Rangers heading into an important 2025 campaign.