The star pitcher the Boston Red Sox are predicted to sign to a three-year, $66 million deal is former New York Yankees right-hander Michael King.
This prediction, put forth by MLB analyst Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball, has gained significant traction as it offers an affordable and high-upside solution to the Red Sox’s ongoing need for established starting pitching.
The Pitcher: Michael King
King, who was traded from the Yankees to the Padres in the Juan Soto deal, transitioned from an elite reliever to a full-time starter in San Diego.
| Contract Details | Value | Rationale |
| Years | 3 years | Provides mid-term stability without long-term risk. |
| Total Value | $66 Million | Averages $22 million AAV, an excellent price for a potential No. 2 starter. |
| Key Feature | Predicted Opt-Out | King is expected to include an opt-out after the first season (2026), giving the Red Sox a safety valve and King a chance to re-enter the market if he has a healthy, elite season. |
Why This Deal is a Perfect Fit for Boston
The Red Sox, under Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow, have made pitching acquisition a top priority, already trading for Sonny Gray and Garrett Crochet. Landing King would solidify the rotation without breaking the bank.
- High Upside/Low Risk: King excelled in his first full season as a starter in 2024, posting a 2.95 ERA with 201 strikeouts in over 173 innings. His 2025 season was hampered by injuries (shoulder and knee issues), which is what lowered his market value to this range. Boston is betting on a return to his 2024 form.
- Addressing a Need: King would immediately slot into the rotation as a solid No. 3 starter behind Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray, forming a very strong top of the rotation alongside Brayan Bello.
- AL East Rivalry: The move would fit the Red Sox’s pattern of acquiring former Yankees (like Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock). Adding a former Yankee starter to their rotation would be a delicious piece of rivalry theater for the Boston faithful.
The prediction emphasizes that if the Red Sox can secure their rotation with an affordable star like King, they will have the financial flexibility to aggressively pursue a slugger like Alex Bregman or Kyle Schwarber for the offense.
