Although the New York Yankees have a pretty strong rotation when healthy, they've battled plenty of injuries in recent seasons.
Gerrit Cole missed all of last season due to injury, while Luis Gil made just 11 starts after returning from injury.
With Cole set to miss the beginning of the the 2026 season, the Yankees could possibly add another high-end arm. Especially if they are unable to bring back Cody Bellinger. Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com suggested a reunion with Michael King, if New York were to spend top dollar on pitching.
The Yankees know King very well, as he spent five seasons in the Bronx before being traded to the Padres in a package for Juan Soto.
In his first season with the Padres, King posted the best year of his career. He finished with a 2.95 ERA, a 13-9 record, 201 strikeouts and 4.1 WAR. Last season, King was riddled with injuries and only made 15 starts. He was solid in those appearances, earning a 5-3 record while posting a 3.44 ERA.
If the Yankees were to bring King back into their rotation, a top three of Max Fried, Cole and King would be quite dominant once Cole were to return from injury. Additionally, the Yankees have more than capable pitchers for the back-end of their rotation, with Gil, Cam Schlittler, Clarke Schmidt and of course, Carlos Rodon.
With many starting pitchers still unsigned, it remains to be seen the type of contract that King will fetch from free agent suitors.
More MLB news:
San Francisco has 'checked in on' Cody Bellinger amid free agency
Baltimore Orioles eye Marlins' Edward Cabrera in a trade to shore up their rotation
Tigers re-sign Kyle Finnegan to a two-year $19 million contract
- Detroit once again showing strong interest in free agent Alex Bregman