he Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees rivalry is one of the best in baseball, and it is always worth noting when players switch sides in the rivalry. There is one pitcher who could find himself on a new side of the rivalry this winter.
Michael King is a free agent coming off a season where he dealt with injuries. However, before he was with the San Diego Padres, he was a member of the New York Yankees. He was primarily a reliever with the Yankees, but after he was traded to the Padres, he became a starter. He thrived in his first season as a starter and could be on the Red Sox’s radar.
According to The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier, the Red Sox could look to add another starting pitcher, and NorthJersey.com’s Pete Caldera predicted they would sign King.
“A New Englander (Boston College) and ex-Yankee, King goes to the other side of The Rivalry, boosting Boston’s rotation,” wrote Caldera on Tuesday.
King never got the chance to be a full-time starter with the Yankees and was included in the deal that brought Juan Soto from San Diego to the Bronx. In his first year as a starter, King had a 2.95 ERA.
Last year, he dealt with shoulder and knee injuries and only made 15 starts. He is one of the more intriguing free agents this winter. On one hand, he proved he can be an effective starter in 2024. On the other hand, he struggled last year, did not stay healthy and has a qualifying offer attached to him.
King could be a great addition to the Red Sox. Boston has already added Sonny Gray, and adding King could give them a rotation led by Garret Crochet, King, Gray and Brayan Bello. That top four would be an upgrade over last season.
King may be one of the cheaper starting pitchers available as well. Dylan Cease signed for $210 million. Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez could both sign for north of $150 million. King figures to be a tier below them in terms of total value, given he has only been a starter for two seasons.
Signing with the Red Sox could also mean a chance for King to constantly remind the Yankees they made a mistake by not allowing him to be a starter.
