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.

Former San Diego Padres starter Michael King is looking for a home in 2026 and reports suggest he has narrowed his choices down to those three AL East clubs.

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

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 the Rays in the AL East.

All three teams could use a guy like King. The Orioles have addressed three of their four needs so far this season in some way. They added two potent bats to the lineup, trading for outfielder Taylor Ward and signing slugging first baseman Pete Alonso. They also signed closer Ryan Helsley and now, with King on their radar, they could address what is arguably their biggest need, an upgrade in the rotation.

They Red Sox have bolstered their rotation by bringing in Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo both via trades. They'll join Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello and a returning Patrick Sandoval as the possible starting options for the Red Sox in 2026. Meanwhile, the Yankees already have Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, and eventually, Gerrit Cole in their rotation, while Will Warren, Cam Schlittler and Clarke Schmidt figure to get innings as well.

Regardless of where he goes, it won't be a good thing for the Blue Jays. King has pitched well over his career against Toronto. He's got a 2.94 ERA in 18 games, with four of those being starts. In 49 innings he has 47 strikeouts with just one home run allowed, and that was all the way back in 2021 - although he hasn't faced the Blue Jays since 2023. That was the same year he carved up a career high 13 batters in a game on September 20 at Yankee Stadium against the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays have brought in Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce already this offseason to bolster their own rotation but now it appears their division rivals are ready to counter that move.