The San Diego Padres are likely going to lose Dylan Cease and Michael King in free agency this offseason because they’re projected to land big contracts, while the Padres have most of their money wrapped up in stars.
There are plenty of teams around the league that could fit as suitors for the pair of pitchers, but King might get more attention because he’s bound to be more affordable. Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently projected King would sign a $75 million deal this winter.
The Athletic’s Andy McCullough recently predicted King would bolt from the Padres and sign a deal with the Chicago Cubs this winter.
“The Cubs may well get out-bid for the services of King by a team more willing to pay top dollar for a talented pitcher who has not yet proved he can handle the rigor of a full season as a starter,” McCullough wrote. “But King has an elevated ceiling, perhaps the highest of any pitcher on the market, and likely won’t require a long-term deal.”
King would be the perfect fit for the Cubs.
Chicago is likely going to lose Kyle Tucker in free agency, and it will need to replace him with a few stars. King has the ability to give the Cubs star production for a fraction of the cost of the other top pitchers on the market.
This idea makes perfect sense, as it would save the Cubs enough money to sign an outfielder to replace Tucker.
More MLB: Phillies $164 Million Superstar Projected To Bolt For Huge Deal With Astros