The Chicago Cubs have expressed interest in a free-agent pitcher as they evaluate ways to bolster their starting rotation for the 2025 season. One name gaining momentum on their list is former San Diego Padres starter Michael King. King declined his mutual option earlier this month to enter free agency, and several teams have already shown interest — with the Cubs reportedly among the most serious.
According to a report by The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney, the possibility of Chicago pursuing King has picked up steam as the front office continues to prioritize rotation upgrades. Their reporting notes that conversations with baseball executives at The Cosmopolitan hotel made it clear the Cubs aren’t relying solely on internal progress to improve the roster.
Led by President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer, Chicago’s front office has repeatedly emphasized that pitching remains its top focus this winter. With Shota Imanaga hitting free agency after turning down his player option and Justin Steele recovering from elbow surgery that ended his season, the Cubs are seeking proven, durable arms who can help stabilize both the rotation and bullpen heading into 2026.
King, a former reliever who transitioned successfully into a starting role, has drawn considerable interest throughout the league — and his skill set makes him an especially strong match for the Cubs. The 30-year-old right-hander embodies traits Chicago values in pitchers: high IQ, strong work habits, and advanced pitch sequencing. These are the same qualities the organization targeted in past signings like Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd.
As Sharma and Mooney noted, “Michael King is another pitcher the Cubs have on their radar, viewing him as a starter with significant upside when healthy. His work ethic, intelligence, and feel for pitching are attributes the Cubs previously targeted with free agents such as Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd.”
With Hoyer and GM Carter Hawkins focused on adding swing-and-miss stuff and building deeper pitching depth across the staff, King’s overall profile lines up cleanly with the type of arms Chicago hopes to acquire this offseason.
