Bold truth: the Tigers are eyeing a starting pitcher who could elevate their rotation, and Michael King sits squarely in that spotlight. Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports that Detroit has shown interest in the free-agent right-hander, a developing storyline that also links King to the Cubs, Blue Jays, and Marlins — though the latter two look like long shots. Toronto appears to be done adding to its rotation after agreeing to a three-year deal with Cody Ponce, while Miami’s priorities lie elsewhere in the infield and bullpen, making a sale at the level King would command less probable for them.
King’s recent season was hampered by injuries, limiting him to 15 starts. A nerve issue in his throwing shoulder proved more persistent than anticipated, costing him roughly two and a half months. He also had a brief stint on the injured list due to knee inflammation. Upon returning in September, his performance was uneven, surrendering 10 earned runs across 15 2/3 innings with an 11:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio. This adds risk to King’s first full foray into free agency. When healthy, he’s among the league’s better pitchers. In 2024, he finished seventh in NL Cy Young voting after posting a 2.95 ERA over 173 2/3 innings in his first complete season as a big-league starter. Early in 2025, he opened strong, recording a 2.59 ERA with a 28% strikeout rate over 10 appearances before the nerve issue surfaced.
There was no structural damage, and King finished the season as a healthy pitcher overall. Yet in San Diego’s Wild Card Series elimination game, the Padres chose to start Yu Darvish instead of King, a decision that underscored the team’s confidence in Darvish ahead of a potential 2026 workload. The Padres did extend a qualifying offer to King, a move he declined in pursuit of a multi-year contract. At this stage, a return to San Diego seems unlikely.
For Detroit, the search is for both starting and relief depth. Behind Tarik Skubal, there isn’t a clearly established No. 2 starter. Reese Olson would typically slot into that slot, but his 2025 season was cut short by a shoulder strain. Jack Flaherty is back in the mix after exercising a $20 million option, following a mixed year. Casey Mize showed solid performance overall but projects more as a trio or high-end No. 3/No. 4 starter rather than the definitive playoff-era teammate behind Skubal. Jackson Jobe won’t be available until the second half after June Tommy John surgery.
On the depth front, rookie right-hander Troy Melton would likely claim the fifth starter spot if the season began today, having pitched in relief down the stretch. Keider Montero and Sawyer Gipson-Long head a thin group of depth arms, all of whom carry minor-league options and could contribute out of the bullpen. In today’s game, every team uses more than five starters, so adding one or two experienced additions to the Tigers’ rotation remains a practical priority to cushion against inevitable injuries.
Would King be the right long-term answer for Detroit, or might another veteran or younger swingman fill that role more effectively? The intrigue will persist as the market unfolds and teams evaluate how much risk they’re willing to accept for potential upside.
