The San Diego Padres are in danger of losing pitcher Michael King in free agency this winter after opting against signing him to a long-term extension.
The Padres have a lot of money wrapped up in their stars, which is problematic for their free agents like King and Dylan Cease. As a result, these stars are likely heading to new teams on big contracts this offseason.
Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly recently predicted King would sign a solid three-year, $54 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels this winter.
“Angels general manager Perry Minasian is in a contract year, and new manager Kurt Suzuki was only given a one-year contract. So ready or not, Arte Moreno wants a playoff team — or at least a winning record — in 2026,” Kelly wrote. “To have any chance to accomplish either of those goals, the Halos will need to add more pitching. Under Moreno, the Angels have been hesitant to sign pitchers to megadeals. King would allow them to improve their rotation — joining a group that also includes Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Soriano — without taking too much of a risk.”
The Angels are likely looking to contend this season, just like they tried to do last season, which means they’ll likely be active in free agency this winter.
The Angels need to add pitching to their rotation, but the top names wouldn’t be good fits because of their price tags. Signing King to a three-year, $54 million deal would be the perfect fit. King would give them a potential ace at an affordable cost.
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