In a dramatic return to Yankee Stadium, Michael King, now a key starter for the San Diego Padres, made a striking appearance on Tuesday night. After being traded to San Diego as part of the Juan Soto deal in 2023, King returned to the Bronx as one of the league’s most impressive pitchers. He delivered six solid innings, allowing just two runs, but was left with a tough loss after the Padres’ bullpen imploded in a 12-3 defeat.
Despite the lopsided outcome, King’s performance on the mound continued his stellar season, with an impressive 2.22 ERA through eight starts. The former Yankees pitcher, who was once seen as a promising part of their future rotation, now finds himself thriving in San Diego’s starting rotation, where his development has flourished.
“I definitely think I was given more freedom here to grow as a starter,” King said before his start, acknowledging the key role that Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla played in shaping his career. “I think the trade was great for my development as a starter.”
King, who had originally been slated to join the Yankees’ rotation in 2024, was traded just before that plan could come to fruition. Yet, he remains optimistic, focusing solely on his team’s success rather than the business side of the game.
Despite no contract extension being in place with the Padres, King has embraced his role, often drawing inspiration from his former Yankees teammate Aaron Judge, who famously turned down a contract extension before his MVP season. “Once the season is over, then we’ll see what happens,” King said. “Right now, it’s all about focusing on the game and helping my teammates.”
The Padres have certainly benefited from King’s mindset. Sitting at a 23-12 record, San Diego has emerged as one of the top teams in baseball, with King contributing both on the mound and in the clubhouse. His leadership in pitching meetings and his steady presence in the locker room have made him a key part of their success.
However, King was quick to acknowledge that he wasn’t at his best against the Yankees. “I didn’t have my stuff tonight,” King admitted. “Sinker, changeup, fastball—just bad command.” Despite the challenges, he battled through six innings before the bullpen’s struggles derailed the game.
As King looks to the future, his focus remains on the present. For now, he’s committed to helping the Padres maintain their momentum and is ready to face whatever challenges come his way. But with his contract expiring at season’s end, his performance in 2025 is only increasing his value, and it’s clear that King will be one of the most coveted free-agent pitchers come next offseason.
In the end, while his return to Yankee Stadium didn’t end in victory, Michael King’s career continues to soar—and the baseball world is watching closely.
