White Sox Free Agency Fit: Michael King

After declining his player option and officially becoming a free agent earlier this week, right-handed pitcher Michael King is among the best free agent fits for the Chicago White Sox this winter.

King, 31, may be a bit older than ideal for a free agent starting pitcher. It took him a bit longer than usual to establish himself in the big leagues, serving as a relief pitcher and spot starter with the New York Yankees from 2019-2023. But after three seasons in the starting rotation for the San Diego Padres, there can be no doubt that King is one of the more reliable and consistent pitchers in today's game.

In 2026, King finished with a 12-10 record, a 3.21 ERA, and 185 innings pitched. Even more impressive was his performance in the postseason.

King pitched 14 innings and allowed just one earned run while recording 15 strikeouts over three total appearances for the Padres. That includes a seven-inning start during the Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs, when he carried a no-hitter deep into the ballgame. He also picked up a critical six-out save in Game 3 of the NLDS against the eventual World Series champion Milwaukee Brewers.

King jumps off the page as a White Sox fit for obvious reasons. He's one of the most talented starting pitchers on the market, but due to his age, he may not command the same long-term deal as pitchers like Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta.

Chicago needs help at the top of the starting rotation to pair with Sean Burke. And they need pitchers they can trust to take the ball in a big playoff game. King has proven for years that he's that guy.

King primarily works with a sinker and changeup as his best offerings, which should make him an attractive arm to White Sox pitching director Brian Bannister. He throws strikes and ranked in the 89th percentile in baseball last season in hard-hit rate.

With so much attention on Skubal and even Peralta in the free agent market, things could move fairly quickly if the White Sox set their sights on King out of the gate. Chicago has an opportunity to jump the market and get this one done.

The current contract projection for Michael King from Spotrac is five years and $150 million. A premium deal that would be twice as large as the current largest contract in White Sox franchise history.

Still, it's only a five-year commitment. That's an easier deal for White Sox ownership to stomach, and it gets Chicago an All-Star-caliber arm at the top of the rotation who should provide quality innings throughout the duration of that contract.

We know Jerry Reinsdorf has had an aversion to giving out long-term contracts to pitchers in the past. The years required on a contract for Freddy Peralta or Tarik Skubal may scare Reinsdorf off, making King the more intuitive option for GM Chris Getz to direct his focus.

Get this deal done and swing a trade for a talented left-handed pitcher, and the White Sox will be firmly in business with their 2027 starting rotation.