A Blue Jays' division rival is expected to add a top of the rotation arm

"With the Toronto Blue Jays already setting the table for free agent signings in the starting pitching market, the rest of the division has taken notice. The Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles are all attempting to be competitive again in 2026, and even the Tampa Bay Rays are making incremental moves. But the former three teams have all been listed as potential landing spots for a starting pitcher that would immediately become a top of the rotation arm, were he to join them."

"According to Boston Globe columnist Peter Abraham (subscription required) the 30-year-old King could be making a decision soon and has been leaning toward a return to the AL East. King was originally drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 12th round of the MLB draft in 2016, but was traded just over a year later to the New York Yankees. He made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2019, pitching in two innings that season and over the next four years he would be used in a swing-man role, producing a 5.6 bWAR over 114 games with a 3.41ERA, and 19 starts."

"The following season, King was part of the trade package that brought Juan Soto to the Yankees and King turned into a bona fide starter on the West Coast. In two seasons with the Padres he struck out 277 batters in 247 innings, pitching to a 3.10 ERA. Although he did land on the IL twice in 2015, once with a shoulder issue and the other time with knee inflammation. But he returned to finish off the season and looks to be in tip-top shape, which is good news, apparently, for everyone but the Blue Jays and"

Michael King has narrowed his 2026 free-agent choices to the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Baltimore Orioles, with a decision expected soon. King was drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 12th round in 2016 and traded to the Yankees just over a year later. He debuted in MLB with the Yankees in 2019 and spent four years as a swing-man, producing 5.6 bWAR across 114 games with a 3.41 ERA and 19 starts. King became a bona fide starter after being included in the Juan Soto trade, striking out 277 batters in 247 innings for the Padres with a 3.10 ERA. He landed on the injured list twice in 2015 with shoulder and knee issues but returned to finish the season and appears healthy.

Read at Jays Journal