The San Diego Padres are one of the top teams in Major League Baseball this season, and they're in the process of trying to win the National League West for the first time since 2006.
A huge factor for the team's final month of the year will be whether the Padres' starting rotation can pitch at a high level. For two pitchers, Dylan Cease and Michael King, their performance isn't just important for the team, but for each in free agency.
With both set to become free agents, Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report predicted whether the Padres' starting pitching duo will earn $100 million paydays in the offseason or not. Even with their issues, both look like they could land such a huge deal in the offseason.
Will Cease or King Earn $100 Million in Free Agency?
Cease and King are going to hit free agency at the end of the year, and while the Padres may end up keeping one or the other, both are facing serious hurdles to eclipse $100 million in the offseason.
"Age and track record make Cease and Gallen the most likely candidates, but both have struggled." Reuter writes. "Valdez, King, and Suarez all have warts, but they have posted better numbers and could approach that number based on how the market unfolds."
Fellow free agent pitchers Zac Gallen, Framber Valdez, and Ranger Suarez all have enticing profiles, and Cease and King are right there with them.
But with Cease struggling a bit this season, with a 4.82 ERA and a 6-11 record in 27 starts, and with King banged up, both Padres pitchers might have a tough time reaching $100 million in free agency.
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If Cease finishes the year strong and King returns and proves he's healthy, then both would have strong cases to make $100 million as free agents.
Starting pitching is hard to come by, and both Padres starters would be highly sought after on the open market this upcoming winter.
Even though neither is a clear-cut candidate for $100 million, between their track records and potential, along with both being under 31 years old, they have a solid chance to earn a $100 million payday in the offseason.
Retaining both, or even just one of King or Cease, might prove difficult for A.J. Preller and the Padres. It'd be especially unlikely if they reach deals north of $100 million, like Reuter predicts they're capable of earning.
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