Blockbuster Trade Idea Would Send Padres' $71 Million Ace To AL Contender

The San Diego Padres are reportedly listening to offers for their starting pitcher Michael King as the 2025 season draws closer.

San Diego has so much money tied up in its stars that it would be nearly impossible to re-sign King next winter, so trading him now makes the most sense.

Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter recently predicted the Padres would trade King to the Detroit Tigers. King would join reigning American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal at the top of Detroit's rotation. The righty is projected to sign a deal worth $71 million when he hits free agency next winter, per Spotrac.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres reacts in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game Three of the Division Series at Petco Park on... Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Here's the deal pitched by Reuter that would send King to the Tigers:

• San Diego Padres receive: 1B Spencer Torkelson, C/1B Josue Briceño, SP Ty Madden
• Detroit Tigers receive: RHP Michael King

"Ace Dylan Cease has been at the center of some trade rumors ahead of his final year of club control, but only recently has fellow starter Michael King also seen his name surface on the rumor mill," Reuter wrote. "King ($7.9 million projected) does not carry as high a price tag as Cease ($13.75 million), but trading him would still give the Padres some wiggle room to address other needs on the roster, and dealing him now is the best way to maximize his value as he too is headed for free agency next winter.

"The Detroit Tigers found a way to work around a rotation that was lacking behind Tarik Skubal a year ago, and they added Alex Cobb in free agency, but landing a pitcher like King would give them a clear No. 2 option behind the reigning AL Cy Young winner."

This is exactly the kind of deal the Tigers need.

Detroit's front office owes it to the fans to make moves that will push the team in the right direction. Last season, the Tigers had a chance to compete, but the front office handicapped the team by trading some of their top talent away.

Bringing King in would give them another top of the rotation pitcher to place alongside Skubal.

More MLB: Alex Bregman Favored To Sign $150-Plus Million Deal With AL Powerhouse