Red Sox Predicted To Sign Ex-Yankees Pitcher To $66 Million Deal

The Boston Red Sox figure to be active in the starting pitcher market, but Craig Breslow made it clear they would prefer to add a frontline starter.

The Red Sox should have plenty of great options available in free agency and on the trade block. The team has some solid starters, but could benefit from adding an elite arm behind Garrett Crochet in the rotation. Just Baseball’s Ryan Finkelstein predicted the Red Sox would sign Michael King to a three-year, $66 million deal with an opt-out after next season.

King was with the New York Yankees for five seasons, but the team never let him serve as a full-time starter. He made just 19 starts in 115 games for the Red Sox’s American League East rivals. He was included in the trade that brought Juan Soto to the Yankees and became a starter for the San Diego Padres.

In his first year as a starter, he had a 2.95 ERA. He was used in relief once, in the season opener in South Korea preceding six off days. He notched 201 strikeouts, proving that the Yankees made a mistake keeping him in the bullpen.

King was unable to follow that season up with another great campaign. Last season, he had a 3.44 ERA, but made just 15 starts. He dealt with shoulder and knee injuries that never let him get on a roll.

A deal with an opt-out makes sense for King. He will likely want to prove he can still be an elite starter and then re-enter free agency. As for the Red Sox, they would be getting a pitcher who can slot in as the team’s No. 2 behind Garrett Crochet, even after a down year.

King may also be cheaper than other options on the open market. Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease and Ranger Suárez may all be looking for more than $66 million.