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The offseason is officially underway, and the Washington Nationals have some clear priorities: bolstering the pitching staff and potentially upgrading at first base. With several free agents hitting the market, one name stands out as a perfect fit — Michael King.
King, who officially became a free agent after declining his side of a mutual option with the San Diego Padres, is now available to any team looking to add a reliable arm to their rotation. According to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune, King passed on a potential $15 million payday for the 2026 season, signaling his intent to test the market.
For the Nationals, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
Why King Makes Sense for Washington
Since transitioning to a starting role after being traded from the Yankees to the Padres in the Juan Soto blockbuster, King has quietly become one of the more effective starters in the league. Over the past two seasons, he’s posted:
3.10 ERA across 46 outings (45 starts)
135 ERA+, well above league average
277 strikeouts in 247 innings
Those numbers reflect consistency, durability, and swing-and-miss stuff — all traits the Nationals could use in their rotation.
A Familiar Face in the Dugout
There’s also a personal connection worth noting. King played two seasons at Boston College alongside new Nationals manager Blake Butera. While that relationship alone won’t land King in D.C., it could help open the door to conversations — especially if Washington is willing to meet his market value.
The Bigger Picture
With Josh Bell, Paul DeJong, and Derek Law all entering free agency, the Nationals have roster flexibility and financial room to make strategic moves. Michael King represents a high-upside, low-risk investment that aligns with the team’s goals for 2026 and beyond.
If Washington is serious about upgrading its rotation, King should be near the top of their list.