No one is saying the quiet part out loud. At least not yet. There is a whispering concern that Michael King will not be the same version of himself that Padres fans saw in 2024. But soon, if things don't go well at spring training, it can become a panicking screech.
Held down by severe shoulder problems and knee inflammation in 2025, there is no telling how good and consistent King will be this season. In a pleasant shock, the 30-year-old right-hander returned to San Diego on a three-year, $75 million deal that includes opt-outs following each campaign.