The New York Yankees are seeking pitching reinforcements. Their 3.64 ERA ranks 10th in the league—solid, but with room for improvement, especially if a veteran arm finds his way back to the Bronx to bolster the rotation.
That veteran is Michael King, who is now making an impact as a full-time starter for the San Diego Padres. No longer a reliever, King impressed in his debut season as a starter, securing over ten wins with a 2.95 ERA. His start to 2025 has been just as sharp, proving he can handle the transition.
“I mean, of course, once you get to free agency, that’s what I’ll start thinking about… I’ve got to focus on winning today… hopefully by the end of it, I can have all 30 teams calling me,” King said when asked about a potential return to the Yankees. While not a direct confirmation, it’s clear the idea isn’t entirely off the table.
Yankee Stadium was once home for Michael King
Michael King made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2019 against the Rangers in Texas, but his first game in New York came in a 9-7 win over Boston. He spent five seasons with the Bombers, posting a 3.38 ERA as a reliever. Of his 119 career appearances with the team, 19 were starts.
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How has King fared as a full-time starter?
So far, King has found success as a starter with the Padres. In his first year in the rotation, he posted a 2.95 ERA across 30 starts, finishing 2024 with a 13-9 record. Over 173.2 innings, he recorded 201 strikeouts, ranking in the top 10 for total Ks in a season and placing seventh in strikeouts per nine innings with a 10.41 K/9 rate.
In the current MLB season, King is one of just three pitchers to throw a complete game, alongside Nathan Eovaldi (Texas) and Framber Valdez (Houston). His durability has been evident, with 17 games played so far, as the Padres continue to value his presence on the mound. He has logged four wins and one loss while sporting an impressive 2.09 ERA.
