The San Francisco Giants have several roster decisions to make this offseason following a 97-loss campaign, but rebuilding their starting rotation could be among their most important priorities.

San Francisco struggled to find consistency on the mound throughout 2026, finishing with a 4.33 team ERA that ranked 23rd in Major League Baseball. Injuries further complicated matters, leaving the organization with questions about its rotation heading into next season.

President of baseball operations Buster Posey will need to find reinforcements capable of helping the Giants return to contention. Right-hander Michael King could be one potential option as San Francisco evaluates the free-agent pitching market.

King is coming off a strong season with the San Diego Padres and could become available if he elects to leave his current contract behind.

King, 31, reestablished himself as a dependable starting pitcher in 2026 after dealing with health concerns the previous year. He recorded a 3.21 ERA across 32 starts for San Diego, giving interested teams a strong reason to consider pursuing him.

His recent performance could make him an attractive addition for a Giants team looking for established starting pitching rather than relying exclusively on inexperienced arms.

San Francisco has several pitchers expected to remain in its rotation next season, including Logan Webb, Landen Roupp, and Adrian Houser. However, the organization faces a significant depth problem after several young starters suffered injuries that are expected to keep them sidelined for an extended period.

Hayden Birdsong, Carson Whisenhunt, Trevor McDonald, and Blade Tidwell are all expected to miss significant time while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Their anticipated absences could force the Giants to search beyond their existing group for reliable options.

King signed a three-year, $75 million agreement with the Padres last December. The contract includes an opportunity to opt out, creating a potential path for him to return to the open market this winter.

His decision will be worth monitoring as the Giants consider how aggressively to pursue outside pitching help.

King's successful 2026 season could strengthen his position in negotiations, particularly after his previous campaign was interrupted by injuries. A return to free agency would give him the opportunity to evaluate offers from teams seeking an established rotation piece.

San Francisco must determine how much of its offseason resources to dedicate to starting pitching while also addressing other weaknesses on the roster.

The Giants cannot assume King will become available, nor is there a guarantee they will pursue him. Nevertheless, his performance and potential availability make him a name worth watching as the offseason develops.

With multiple young starters facing lengthy recoveries, San Francisco has a clear reason to explore experienced alternatives. Landing a pitcher who can consistently take the ball would help stabilize the rotation while giving the organization more flexibility to manage its injured arms.