Orioles’ path to a pitching upgrade just opened thanks to Padres decision

Name any starting pitcher available this offseason, and the Baltimore Orioles are going to get a mention as a potential fit. Expecting the Baltimore Orioles to spend at the top of the free-agent class seems like a fruitless exercise, but an option in the tier below just confirmed his free agency status. San Diego Padres' pitcher Michael King declined his mutual option for 2026 and will be able to sign with a new team as early as November 6.

If not for durability concerns, King likely would command a similar deal to what Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, and Ranger Suarez are expected to command this offseason. Instead, having pitched over 150 innings in a season only once in his career, King seems likely to be in the market for a short-term, high-AAV type of deal.

A pinched nerve in his right shoulder limited King to only 15 starts with the Padres last season. He posted a 3.44 ERA in a tick over 73 innings pitched, but it seemed that the lingering shoulder injury may have led to some regression.

King's fastball velocity dropped from 94.8 mph in 2024 to 93.8 mph last season, and there was a similar decline in his strikeout numbers, going from striking out 27.7% of the hitters he faced two years ago to 24.7% last season.

Michael King's move to decline his option quietly sets up Orioles for major rotation help

We know what you're thinking: the Orioles taking a gamble on King feels like a classic Mike Elias move that is destined to backfire. There certainly is that concern, but unfortunately, the Orioles do not have the luxury of spending above Elias' mistakes. He is bound to take a risk this offseason, and King feels like the option with the highest ceiling.

It's also a reminder that the Orioles may want to turn to the trade market. While King is an ideal target for Baltimore, it goes without saying that they need a definitive upgrade for their rotation. If the Orioles are willing to give up the prospect capital it would take, trading for someone like Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers should be their preferred direction. If not, King is an ideal fallback option.