Frankie Montas injury sparks trade buzz as New York Mets eye San Diego Padres' Michael King

The New York Mets' rotation has been dealt a significant blow after Frankie Montas was diagnosed with a high-grade right lat strain, putting him out for a minimum of 6-8 weeks. With Opening Day just around the corner, the Mets are looking into strengthening their rotation. One possible target is San Diego Padres' Michael King, a right-hander who might be a trade candidate if the Padres choose to begin making moves.

Mets may look to Michael King following Montas setback

Montas, signed to a two-year, $34 million deal during the offseason, was supposed to contribute significantly to the Mets' rotation. But his injury serves as a cause for concern for the team's pitching depth, with rumors circulating about possible trade targets. A recent report suggests that King is one of the pitchers the Mets might make a move for if San Diego would entertain offers.


King, 28, had a stellar 2023 season, compiling a 2.95 ERA, 201 strikeouts, and a seventh-place finish in National League Cy Young Award voting. While the Padres have no plans to change their rotation currently, there are reports that they could be receptive to trading King if their hopes for the postseason dissolve and he avoids free agency.

Padres' trade position and King's free agent status

While the Padres have publicly expressed a desire to keep their rotation together, insiders believe their stance could change depending on how the season unfolds. King avoided arbitration this offseason by agreeing to a one-year deal but holds a mutual option for 2026, making him a potential free agent after 2025. If he performs well this season, he could opt out, leaving San Diego without a return on their investment.


For the Mets, getting King would be an instant fix for their rotation issue. With high expectations for 2024, they might be ready to trade prospects or other chips to land a frontline starter.


Montas' injury necessitates that the Mets rethink their pitching corps, and Michael King is a good potential trade candidate. The Padres are not reportedly shopping him, but situations have a way of changing during the course of the season. If New York wants to shore up its rotation, a trade for King might be a reality sometime in the next few months.


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