SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego Padres have officially named Michael King as their rotation leader, solidifying his status as the team’s ace heading into the 2025 season. The announcement comes after an impressive spring training performance and a strong finish to last season, proving King is ready to take on the challenge of leading a revamped Padres pitching staff.
Acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to the Yankees, King wasted no time making his presence felt in San Diego. After transitioning from the bullpen to a full-time starting role, the right-hander dazzled in the latter half of 2024, posting a 2.23 ERA over his final 10 starts. His ability to command the strike zone and generate swings and misses made him a natural choice to lead the staff.
“I’m honored to be trusted with this role,” King said. “We’ve got a talented group, and I’m excited to set the tone for what’s going to be a big year for us.”
Manager Mike Shildt echoed that sentiment, praising King’s work ethic and leadership. “Michael has earned this. He’s been nothing but dominant, and his competitive fire is exactly what we need at the top of the rotation.”
The Padres enter the 2025 season with a mix of young talent and veteran arms, but King’s consistency has made him the clear-cut choice as the staff ace. With Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove battling injuries and Blake Snell departing in free agency, the 28-year-old right-hander will be the go-to guy when the Padres need a big performance.
San Diego’s success this season hinges on its pitching, and King will be the anchor. If he can replicate his late-season dominance, the Padres could find themselves right back in the playoff hunt.
Opening Day is just weeks away, and with King leading the charge, San Diego is betting on their new ace to guide them to October baseball.
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