Despite their two early offseason pitching additions in Sonny Gray and Yohan Oviedo, the Boston Red Sox remain in the market for another starter. A free agent and New England resident has captured their attention this time.
The Red Sox are interested in former San Diego Padres starter Michael King. Initial reports started that Boston, the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles are the three finalists for King's services (subscription required), but a later report from Chris Cotillo of MassLive clarified that the field of interested clubs extends beyond the three American League East rivals and that a decision is not yet close.
The Red Sox have more starting pitching depth than they know what to do with, and their interest in King could suggest a trade involving some of their young arms is coming. Boston has Garrett Crochet, Gray, Oviedo, Brayan Bello, Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, Kutter Crawford, Hunter Dobbins, Patrick Sandoval, Kyle Harrison and some more top prospect among its potential starters for next season.
The Sox's reported interest in King also comes after many reports that they'll pivot to signing a bat after their two pitcher trades. Cotillo noted that adding to the offense is still a top priority, but Boston hasn't been afraid to keep in touch with top arms.
Red Sox, despite need for offense, Yankees and Orioles among the teams in on starter Michael King
The Red Sox haven't shown that they're wiling to spend top dollar for free agents in the last seven years or so, and their pursuit of King, one of the best pitchers on the free agent market, could limit their resources in their pursuit of Alex Bregman or a potential replacement for him. King would reportedly "love" to play in Boston, though, and he could sign with the Sox at a hometown rate, but that would be unlikely given the other teams interested in him.
King emerged as a top starter for the Padres in the two seasons he pitched with them after beginning his career with the Yankees. He posted a 3.10 ERA with a 1.194 WHIP and 134 ERA+ over 46 appearances since 2024.
King would be a solid veteran addition to the Red Sox's rotation, but it'd be hard to argue that they need to add another starter below the No. 2 level, if at all. Being in on his market could help raise his price for the other teams interested in signing him, which is especially desirable for division rivals, but Boston's focus should remain on bats — after Bregman's opt out, it needs to sign at least two to field a better team than last year, and King can't help there.