Now that the top right-handed starting pitcher is off the board after Dylan Cease signed a massive seven-year, $210 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, the dominoes may soon start to fall with other starters signing their contracts.
For the Atlanta Braves, they aren’t necessarily going to sign a top starter like Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez. Still, Atlanta’s front office should consider other options, such as Michael King, who is in the B-tier of available pitchers in free agency.
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Should the Braves Target Michael King?
Michael King is perhaps the most interesting free agent starter this winter. He’s not going to receive a hefty contract like Valdez or Suarez in terms of total value, but his services will certainly come at a cost.
So, should the Braves consider signing the former New York Yankees and San Diego Padres pitcher?
If Braves’ GM Alex Anthopoulos is really going to spend this offseason like he’s alluded to, Michael King is likely at the top of his wishlist.
In 2025, King was limited a little bit due to injury, but since he transitioned into a starter in 2024, he’s been a quality arm with the ability to strike out hitters in bunches. In his breakout 2024 season, King posted a 2.95 ERA over 30 starts and punched out 201 batters.
GettyThe Yankees reportedly could reunite with Padres’ pitcher Michael King in free agency
While the Atlanta Braves may be hesitant about his injuries because of the number of injuries they’ve suffered in the past two seasons, this might be the best chance to get Michael King at a relative discount.
According to BaseballReference.com, Michael King is projected to post a 3.43 ERA in 104 innings next season. Which seems accurate, considering he posted a 3.44 ERA in 2025.
As for what a potential contract could look like for King. He is expected to receive a multi-year deal that could be worth up to $90 million if it is a 4+ year deal.
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Braves Have Already Made a Few Moves This Offseason
It’s, of course, still very early in the free agency period across MLB. Dylan Cease’s massive deal that was handed out just yesterday was a shock across the league, but the Braves have already made a few moves this offseason.
First, they re-signed Raisel Iglesias to a one-year, $16 million deal, which shows the willingness to spend on pitchers if it’s the right price. Atlanta also signed Joel Payamps. That’s a move that may not end up working out, but again, at least the Braves are aware that pitching remains their top need this offseason.
As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Braves handle their spending and if they are able to make a big splash signing that propels them back in contention in the National League.
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