The San Diego Padres are shaping up as one of the more intriguing sellers at this year’s trade deadline, with GM AJ Preller fielding calls on several key pieces.
While closer Mason Miller has generated the most attention, he’s staying put for now. But there’s another name gaining traction in trade discussions.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Padres are exploring deals for right-hander Michael King, who’s posted a 3.24 ERA across 21 starts this season while earning $17 million.
“The San Diego Padres likely will keep closer Mason Miller but could trade starter Michael King, according to rival executives who have spoken to AJ Preller, president of baseball operations.”
King’s contract situation makes him an attractive trade candidate. He’s got player options for 2027 and 2028, but the way he’s pitching this year, there’s a good chance he declines those deals and tests free agency after next season.
That’s where things get interesting for San Diego.
If you’re the Padres looking at a season that’s slipping away, moving guys who might walk anyway starts to make sense. King fits that profile perfectly – he’s productive now but could be gone in 18 months regardless.
The starting pitching market is always hungry at the deadline, and King would bring back a solid return. Teams are desperate for rotation help, especially someone who’s proven he can handle a starter’s workload after transitioning from the Yankees’ bullpen.
What makes this different from the Miller situation is King’s uncertain long-term future in San Diego. Miller’s under team control longer, making him more valuable to keep. King? He might be testing the waters come winter 2026 anyway.
The Padres are sitting on the fence between contending and selling. Their stars haven’t delivered consistently, and there are enough holes on this roster to question whether they’re really a World Series threat this year.
That’s why moving King by the August 3 deadline could make sense. Get something back now rather than risk losing him for nothing later.
From where I’m sitting, King represents exactly the type of asset contenders will overpay for – a proven starter with playoff experience who can immediately slot into a rotation. For a Padres team that might be looking at retooling rather than going all-in, that’s the kind of trade that could reshape their approach.
Keep an eye on this one. The chatter around King is getting louder, and with just over a week until the deadline, decisions are coming fast.
