Royals Predicted to Sign Padres Starter to $104M Contract

The Kansas City Royals are reportedly eyeing San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King as a potential offseason acquisition, with a source predicting a four-year, $104 million contract if King decides to exit his current deal. Columnist Kerry Miller discussed this possibility in a Bleacher Report article. Signing King would bolster the Royals' rotation, possibly alongside established pitchers Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha.

This move would be a strategic response to the team's trading of 2025 All-Star starting pitcher Kris Bubic to the Los Angeles Dodgers. King's performance in the 2025 season, including a 3.37 ERA and 120 strikeouts in 24 starts, highlights his value as a top prospect. If the Royals pursue King, he would become one of their most formidable starting pitchers, potentially transforming their chances in the AL Central.