Yankees predicted to reunite with ace from Juan Soto trade

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 21: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres throws a pitch during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on September 21, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

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By Patrick McAvoy

Contributing Sports Writer

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The New York Yankees had one of the best starting rotations in baseball in 2025, but that doesn't mean that it cannot get even better.

New York's starting rotation had the fourth-best ERA in baseball in 2025 at 3.61. What makes that even more impressive is the fact that Gerrit Cole missed the campaign. The Yankees have a lot of talent in the rotation, but there are also questions with Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt expected to miss some time to begin the 2026 campaign.

Because of that, adding one more dependable starter would make sense and CBS Sports' Mike Axisa predicted that the Yankees would oblige and do so by reuniting with Michael King, who New York traded to the San Diego Padres in the Juan Soto deal.

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"The Yankees reunite with King," Axisa said. "The Yankees didn't want to trade Michael King two offseasons ago, but to get Juan Soto, that's what it took, so they traded him. King, after one excellent season and one good/injured season with the Padres, is a free agent this winter, giving the Yankees an opportunity to bring back a pitcher they never wanted to part with in the first place. It would not be just a feel-good story either.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 02: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres throws a pitch in the fourth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the National League Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field on October 02, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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"The Yankees need rotation help with Gerrit Cole (Tommy John), Carlos Rodón (loose bodies), and Clarke Schmidt (Tommy John) all set to begin next season on the injured list following elbow surgery. King does not figure to get a big long-term contract given his age (31 in May) and this year's shoulder/knee injuries, which fits for the Yankees, who already have several big pitcher contracts. We can't call it a homecoming because King is not a native New Yorker, but it will be a reunion. I boldly predict it."

King had a 3.44 ERA in 15 starts in 2025 and a 2.95 ERA in 31 total appearances, including 30 starts, in 2024 with the Padres. King's projected market value is just over $91 million across four seasons, per Spotrac. At a price in that ballpark and the Yankees' rotation already dealing with injuries, this is the type of move that New York should be all over this offseason.