The Chicago Cubs, despite making two key acquisitions in outfielder Kyle Tucker and reliever Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros, are still seen as having room for improvement, particularly in their starting rotation. This has led to speculation about potential further moves, with San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King emerging as a possible target. King’s breakout 2024 season, where he posted a 13-9 record with a 2.95 ERA and 201 strikeouts, has made him an attractive commodity, despite rumors of his availability for trade. The Cubs, with their need for a top-flight starter and a collection of tradeable assets, appear to be a suitable match. A proposed hypothetical trade scenario involves the Cubs sending pitcher Javier Assad and outfield prospect Kevin Alcántara to San Diego in exchange for King.
The rationale behind this hypothetical trade stems from the Cubs’ continued pursuit of a high-impact starting pitcher. While the additions of Tucker and Pressly bolstered their offense and bullpen respectively, the rotation remains an area needing reinforcement. Earlier reports linking the Cubs to free agent Jack Flaherty, even before signing Colin Rea, underscore their desire for another established starter. Michael King, with his impressive 2024 performance and the possession of a “sweeper” pitch that aligns well with the Cubs’ pitching philosophy, fits the profile of the pitcher they seek. The Cubs’ existing pool of prospects and young players provides them with the necessary bargaining chips to pursue a trade for a player of King’s caliber.
The proposed trade-off involving Assad and Alcántara represents a calculated risk for the Cubs. Assad, a young pitcher with potential, has yet to solidify his place in the major leagues. Alcántara, a highly regarded outfield prospect, represents a significant investment in the future. However, acquiring a proven starter like King, who is still relatively young and under team control for at least another season, could justify parting with these assets. The Padres, on the other hand, could benefit from adding young talent to their organization, particularly with Alcántara’s potential to develop into a valuable outfielder. Assad could provide immediate pitching depth or serve as a trade piece for the Padres.
King’s recently agreed upon contract with the Padres adds another layer to the trade speculation. The $4 million deal for 2025, with a $15 million mutual option for 2026 (including a $3.75 million buyout), provides some cost certainty for any team acquiring him. This relatively reasonable contract further enhances King’s trade value, as he represents a cost-effective option for a team seeking a front-line starter. The mutual option for 2026 allows both King and his acquiring team flexibility depending on his performance in the coming seasons.
The potential acquisition of Michael King represents a strategic move for the Cubs, addressing their need for a high-caliber starting pitcher to bolster their rotation. While the proposed trade involving Assad and Alcántara requires giving up valuable assets, the immediate upgrade King provides to the Cubs’ pitching staff arguably justifies the cost. King’s age, performance, and relatively team-friendly contract make him a desirable target for any team seeking to improve their starting rotation.
The Cubs’ pursuit of King highlights the ongoing dynamic within Major League Baseball, where teams constantly evaluate their rosters and seek opportunities to improve. Trades involving promising prospects for established players are common practice, reflecting the balance teams strike between building for the future and competing in the present. The Cubs, having already made significant moves this offseason, appear poised to continue reshaping their roster in their quest for contention. The acquisition of Michael King, if realized, would represent a significant step towards that goal.
