Rumored Red Sox Target Reportedly Makes Free-Agent Decision

Key Highlights

• Although the feeling was reportedly mutual, several other teams also pursued the Rhode Island native after a down year. King ended his fourth season with the New York Yankees by successfully shifting to the rotation.
• He registered a 2.23 ERA in nine starts to close the 2023 campaign before getting sent to San Diego in a Juan Soto blockbuster. A permanent rotation move paid off handsomely for King, who garnered a 2.95 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 173 2/3 innings in 2024.
• He started 2025 with a 2.09 ERA through April, but a shoulder injury sidelined him in May. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKing returned to pitch two innings against the Red Sox in August before knee inflammation sent him back to the injured list for a month.
• Despite allowing eight runs in his second start back, he still finished the season with a 3.44 ERA in 73 1/3 innings. King returns to the Padres to headline a rotation alongside former Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta.
• They lost another premier free-agent starter when Dylan Cease joined the Toronto Blue Jays. More : Ex-Red Sox Failed Experiment Called ‘Prime Bounce-Back Candidate’ For 2026.