Chicago Cubs to Pursue Michael King in Free Agency
The Chicago Cubs are targeting starting pitcher Michael King as a priority for their rotation this offseason.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Baseball
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As the winter 2026 free agency period begins, the Chicago Cubs are planning to pursue starting pitcher Michael King. King may opt out of his current contract with the San Diego Padres to seek a new deal.
Why it matters
The Chicago Cubs need to address multiple vacancies in their starting rotation this offseason. Securing a reliable arm like King would provide much-needed stability to the pitching staff following a season of roster fluctuation.
Michael King recorded a 3.21 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 4.3 WAR across 32 regular-season starts in 2026. He enters this period after a dominant postseason performance where he maintained a 0.64 ERA across three starts.
The players
Michael King
Michael King is a professional baseball pitcher currently under contract with the San Diego Padres who is expected to hit the free agent market.
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional Major League Baseball team based in Chicago that competes in the National League Central division.
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball franchise that competes in the National League West division.
Edward Cabrera
Edward Cabrera is a professional baseball pitcher who was acquired by the Chicago Cubs from the Miami Marlins in 2025.
Seiya Suzuki
Seiya Suzuki is a professional outfielder who has played for the Chicago Cubs and is not expected to return to the team.
The details
The Cubs are actively setting aside funds to acquire starters as they navigate a rotation featuring several pending free agents. This strategy coincides with the news that outfielder Seiya Suzuki is not expected to return to the Chicago lineup.
Timeline
In 2025, the Chicago Cubs acquired Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins.
During the 2026 regular season, Michael King recorded his career-best metrics.
In the fall of 2026, Michael King made three standout postseason starts for the Padres.
The 2026 offseason free agency period opened in the winter of 2026.
Season Trajectory
The pursuit of King follows a pattern set by the 2026 National League Wild Card series, where he proved his dominance by limiting the Chicago Cubs to one hit over seven innings. This move aims to reshape a rotation that struggled to find consistency from acquisitions like Edward Cabrera, who posted a 5.96 ERA.
If the Cubs sign King to a five-year contract, it will significantly impact the team's available salary-cap space for additional acquisitions. His addition would immediately stabilize the rotation, replacing production lost by other departing free agents.
The takeaway
The Cubs are shifting their financial focus toward premium starting pitching to remain competitive in the National League. Fans can expect a more aggressive spending approach this offseason as the team attempts to fill major voids in the pitching staff.
Further reading
For more updates on roster changes, visit the Chicago Baseball section.
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