The Red Sox are positioning themselves as frontrunners for free agent starter Michael King, and they’ve got a significant advantage that goes beyond baseball.
King wants to come home.
According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, the right-hander would “love to be in Boston.” That’s not surprising when you consider King’s New England roots – he went to Bishop Hendricken High School in Rhode Island and pitched at Boston College.
“The Red Sox are among a number of teams still involved in talks with righty Michael King, a source confirmed Sunday, though there is no set timeframe for King’s decision. King has a crowded market and is sifting through possibilities. According to one source, King would ‘love to be in Boston’ but as always, it’s a matter of terms and dollars lining up.”
For Boston, King represents exactly what they need – a No. 2 starter who can slot right into their rotation. The fit makes sense on multiple levels.
King dealt with injuries this past season but still managed a 5-3 record with a 3.44 ERA over 73 innings. He struck out 76 batters and posted a 1.200 WHIP. Those numbers suggest he’s got plenty left in the tank if he can stay healthy.
That’s where things get interesting – and potentially frustrating for Red Sox fans.
While King wants to be in Boston, it’s still about the money and contract length. The Sox have admitted they don’t believe in giving long-term deals to players in their 30s. That philosophy could be shooting themselves in the foot here.
King’s going to want a full-length deal, and he’s got enough suitors to probably get one. The question is whether Boston’s front office will make an exception for a guy who genuinely wants to pitch for them.
From where I’m sitting, this seems like one of those situations where the stars are aligned. You’ve got a quality starter who fits your rotation needs and actually wants to play for your organization. Those don’t come around often.
The way I see it, if the Red Sox let their policy on long-term deals for 30-something players cost them King, they’re missing a real opportunity. Sometimes you’ve got to break your own rules when the right player comes along.
All things considered, King gives them exactly what they’re looking for in the rotation. That would let them focus their remaining resources on adding the offensive firepower they desperately need.
