Michael King reminds Yankees of his worth, but trade door firmly closed

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Former Yankees pitcher Michael King thrives in the Padres’ rotation role, but San Diego has shut down any window for trade talks.

The New York Yankees’ decision to part ways with Michael King in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade is still resonating in the Bronx. While Soto’s short stint helped power the Yankees to a World Series appearance, King’s post-trade rise as an ace with the San Diego Padres has fans wondering: What if he had stayed?

In a candid conversation on Underdog Fantasy Sports, Michael King reflected on his journey and his pivotal role in making the Soto trade possible. “The only way you guys got Soto is because I was built up as a starter,” King remarked, acknowledging that his late-season push in 2023 elevated his value at just the right moment.

“The Padres aren’t trading for a middle reliever, you know,” he added.

King’s reign: From bullpen arm to trade catalyst

King’s story with the Yankees began in 2019, primarily working from the bullpen. By 2022, he emerged as one of the best relievers in the league, sporting a 2.29 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP across 51 innings. But King wanted more—more innings, more responsibility, and a place in the starting rotation.

His determination set the stage for a critical turning point. During the 2023 season, King pressured manager Aaron Boone to give him a shot at starting.

“The bullpen life is a different breed,” he explained, “And then I talked to Booney going into Spring Training of ’23. I said, I’m a starter. That’s why you’re allowing me to flip a lineup, because I have a starter’s arsenal. His first line to me was, you’re too valuable in the bullpen. And then unfortunately we had some injuries and I went up to Booney and I’m like, ‘This is it. If I struggle a little bit and I know I’m a reliever, then great, I’m a reliever. But this is the time for me to go.’ And I ended up having a good 8 or 9 starts to end the year.”

Boone hesitated, valuing King’s dominance in relief. But injuries forced Boone’s hand, and King delivered. Over nine starts, he posted a 2.23 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 40.1 innings, proving he belonged on the mound from the first pitch.

That performance didn’t just validate King’s confidence—it made him an essential piece in the Yankees’ pursuit of Juan Soto.

A blockbuster that paid off—for both sides

In December 2023, the Yankees sent King to the Padres in a five-player package to acquire Soto and Trent Grisham. King’s ascension to starter status had turned him into the kind of controllable arm San Diego craved. Without that stretch, the Yankees might not have had the leverage to finalize the deal.

Soto, now gone after just one season in the Bronx, made his mark by helping lead the Yankees to the World Series. Meanwhile, Grisham has quietly become one of the most productive hitters in baseball this year, giving Yankees fans something to cheer about beyond the one-year Soto rental.

But in San Diego, Michael King has evolved into something even more valuable—a top-of-the-rotation starter with staying power.

King’s dominance in San Diego rules out trade option

After joining the Padres, King capitalized on his new role, finishing the 2024 season with a 2.95 ERA over 173.2 innings. He’s kept that momentum into 2025. Through his first five starts, King boasts a 3-0 record, a 2.57 ERA, and 31 strikeouts over 28 innings. His WHIP stands at a solid 1.07, anchoring a rotation that San Diego expects will lead them deep into October once again.

General Manager A.J. Preller made it clear in a recent interview with Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman that King isn’t going anywhere.

“They’re huge parts of our team,” Preller said of King and fellow starter Dylan Cease. “You know, leading the rotation. You’ve got to see how the year plays out. It’s still super early, and I know we’ve played really well to start the season, and our expectation is that we have a team again… that can play deep into October.”

Despite offseason speculation about financial strain, Preller ruled out trading King, affirming that the Padres intend to keep their rotation intact as long as they remain contenders.

Yankees’ pitching woes highlight what they lost

While the Yankees are off to a strong start in 2025, injuries have plagued their pitching staff. The loss of King looms larger as the team navigates depth challenges. Though they gained a World Series berth with Soto, the price they paid is more evident now with King excelling out west.

King’s role in shaping the Yankees’ present—and future—can’t be overstated. His push to start not only changed his career trajectory but also directly impacted the Yankees’ ability to swing one of the most significant trades in recent history.

Return to the Bronx faces big hurdles?

Speculation around King’s potential return to New York was put to rest when Preller’s comments ruled out any mid-season trade. King, now in a contract year, is focused on leading San Diego’s playoff charge. The Yankees, meanwhile, will have to make do with what they have—and what they gave up.

Though Yankees fans might feel a twinge of regret, King’s own reflections are tinged with pride and humor. His story is a testament to betting on oneself and the ripple effect one player can have on two franchises.

Michael King’s value to the Yankees didn’t end when he left. His performance opened the door to acquire Juan Soto and altered the trajectory of both the Yankees and Padres. While New York fans might wonder how King would have fit into their rotation now, there’s no denying that his contribution—both on and off the field—helped shape the Yankees’ recent success.

For now, King is a Padre, and Preller’s firm stance ensures it stays that way, at least through the 2025 season. But his connection to the Yankees remains a fascinating chapter in a story of talent, timing, and transformation.

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