The Chicago Cubs have had a relatively quiet offseason—aside from the headline-grabbing acquisitions of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and veteran reliever Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros. However, fresh speculation suggests President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer may not be done yet. The Cubs are reportedly eyeing a potential trade for San Diego Padres’ right-hander, a move that could provide the major rotation upgrade they still need.
Michael King, who transitioned into a full-time starter in 2024, delivered an impressive campaign, posting a 13-9 record with a stellar 2.95 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 201 strikeouts over 173⅔ innings. Despite his success, his name has surfaced in trade rumors, raising questions about his long-term future with the Padres.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer recently floated a hypothetical trade proposal that would send King to the Cubs in exchange for young right-hander Javier Assad and top outfield prospect Kevin Alcántara. While the Cubs have bolstered their lineup and bullpen this offseason, their starting rotation remains a work in progress. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand previously linked them to Jack Flaherty in early January, further fueling speculation that Chicago is still hunting for a frontline starter.
King and the Padres recently avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $7.75 million deal, which includes a $1 million salary, a $3 million signing bonus, and a $15 million mutual option for 2026 with a $3.75 million buyout. His affordable contract and high upside make him a highly attractive target, but it’s unclear if San Diego is willing to part ways with him.
If the Cubs can strike a deal, landing King would solidify a rotation that still lacks a true frontline ace—potentially positioning them as a legitimate contender in 2025. For now, all eyes are on Hoyer and whether he’ll pull the trigger on another major move.
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