The Boston Red Sox might be losing Sonny Gray to MLB free agency, and even with reports saying he plans to pitch in 2027 despite some retirement rumors, they’re definitely interested in adding another starter. And get this: the San Diego Padres’ big pitching problem could be the Red Sox’s gain, especially when you look at what Michael King just did.
King’s Electric Postseason Run and the Padres’ Brutal Dilemma
This year, Michael King absolutely lit up the postseason, going full dominant mode. He’s been one of baseball’s better starters for the past couple of seasons, and that October performance just cranked up his value. The word from MLB.com is that the Padres want to bring him and reliever Adrian Morejon back. But, and this is the killer part, it’s currently viewed as a “long shot” for San Diego to keep either guy, let alone both. King is expected to decline his player option to hit free agency, making him a super hot commodity for any team needing a top-tier arm. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com even wrote that while Tarik Skubal is the “crown jewel” of this year’s free-agent class, King is gonna be right up there, highly coveted by teams. You’d think the Padres would try hardest to keep King, the starter, before Morejon, the reliever. But Morejon is “extremely important” to San Diego too, and he’d be much cheaper. Still, the reality is stark: the Padres are in a weird spot, and losing King would be a massive hit.
Boston’s Desperate Need and a Shot at Redemption
For Boston, this whole situation is a massive opportunity. If there’s one thing the Red Sox learned this year, it’s that they absolutely cannot rely on health. Guys like Garrett Crochet were sidelined, and there were injuries all over the roster, causing headaches throughout the season. They need reliable arms, bad. So, someone like Michael King needs to be at the very top of their target list. He’s got the track record and the postseason heroics to make a real difference in their rotation. Plus, the article suggests Morejon would also be an “excellent fit” for Boston. The Red Sox can definitely benefit from San Diego being caught in this free agency quagmire, potentially snatching up a guy who was dominant in the biggest games of the year.
The next few weeks of free agency are going to be wild. Will King decline his option and truly hit the open market? Will the Padres make a last-ditch effort that somehow works out, defying expectations? Or will Boston capitalize on San Diego’s long shot bet and grab a difference-maker for their rotation? Keep your eyes peeled, because the Red Sox could be looking at a serious upgrade for next season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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