By Matt Johnson | Updated April 20, 2025
Despite being hit hard by injuries to begin the season, the New York Yankees have managed to hold onto first place heading into today’s MLB action. Still, with long-term concerns about the stability of their pitching staff, the Yankees wasted no time addressing the issue — by bringing back a familiar face.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees have officially reunited with right-handed pitcher Michael King, who spent five seasons in New York before being dealt to San Diego in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade. King is returning to the Bronx after two strong seasons with the Padres, including a breakout performance that solidified him as a full-time starter.
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In 2025, King has posted a 2.57 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, a 31-to-10 K/BB ratio, and has limited opponents to a .583 OPS. A native of Rochester, New York, King originally debuted for the Yankees in 2019 and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his versatility and steady production both as a reliever and starter.
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Last season, King was named to the All-MLB Second Team, showcasing his ability to thrive in a full-time starting role. With San Diego facing long-term payroll issues, King became a prime candidate to move in free agency — and now the Yankees have pounced.
Michael King’s Yankees career stats (2019–2023): 3.38 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 7.7 H/9 over 247.2 innings
With Gerrit Cole sidelined until mid-2026 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, King provides much-needed depth and reliability to a Yankees rotation that’s already committed to Max Fried (eight-year deal) and Carlos Rodón (under contract through 2028).
Perhaps just as importantly, King’s contract is expected to be shorter and more flexible than the deals commanded by younger top-tier arms, giving the Yankees valuable financial breathing room while still upgrading their rotation.
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By Matt Johnson
NFL, MLB & college football writer | SDSU Journalism grad, Class of 2019
