Michael King could command $100 million contract

Michael King, a former New York Yankees pitcher, is set to be a free agent after this season. Since being traded to the San Diego Padres before the 2024 season, he has excelled as a starting pitcher. King previously faced challenges, including an elbow fracture in 2022 that required surgery, keeping him out for the rest of that season. However, he bounced back well in 2023, helping New York agree to trade him to San Diego in exchange for star player Juan Soto. In 2024, King had an impressive season, recording a 2.95 earned run average (ERA) over 173.2 innings and making 33 starts for the Padres. This strong performance has led some executives to believe he could command a contract worth $100 million or more when he becomes a free agent. King had spent three seasons with the Yankees primarily as a reliever before the trade. His transition to a starting role with the Padres has proven successful. As he approaches free agency at the end of the 2025 season, his value continues to rise.