Shocking Michael King twist ties ex-Padres starter to NL East bottom-dwellers

Padres fans knew that Michael King would not accept his qualifying offer following the 2025 season, which would inevitably leave a hole in San Diego's rotation. But what Friars fans did not have on their bingo card was one specific team trying to pursue the 30-year-old ace.

Top-spending organizations are all expected to have their go at King, who is seeking a long-term contract that will earn him money in the nine-digit range. Joining the high-rollers in the Michael King sweepstakes is apparently the Miami Marlins, per Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic.

Wow.

Marlins have shockingly expressed interest in former Padres starting pitcher Michael King

The Marlins are perennially in the Bottom 5 in spending every season (dead last in total payroll in 2025!), and seemingly out of nowhere, they want in on some of the top free agents. Let's also not forget that the Marlins were 28th in average attendance last season, leading only the Athletics and Rays, who both played at minor league parks in 2025.

So, why now for the Marlins? Why do they care to add Michael King to the team when they have shown very little on the payroll front, which has led to fans not caring to show up? Well, Miami isn't exactly a bad team. They won 79 games last season, which is a 17-win jump from 2024. There are plenty of young and talented players on the roster like Kyle Stowers, Otto Lopez, Xavier Edwards, Ronny Henriquez, and Tyler Phillips.

It seems like right now is as good of a time as any for the Marlins to rev up their spending. Michael King fits that bill and he could lead a starting rotation that needs some tweaking. He'd be a tremendous addition for them.

Michael King's ERA, last four seasons:

• 2022: 2.29

• 2023: 2.75

• 2024: 2.95

• 2025: 3.44

The question now is whether the Marlins will actually come through with a legitimate offer. We won't doubt them, but expect other teams to cough up more money than Miami. But if they are serious about returning to relevancy, going after King is a great start. Padres fans know he can carry a starting rotation with consistency.