The Toronto Blue Jays will have to rebuild much of their starting rotation this offseason regardless of how the World Series unfolds.
With Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt set to become free agents, Shane Bieber could decline his player option. That would mean Toronto would need to fill three out of five spots in its rotation in the offseason. Bieber has already reportedly been named an “attractive target” for the San Francisco Giants, so it’s not a guarantee he returns to Toronto next season.
Starting pitching, whether it is acquired through free agency or trade, doesn’t come cheaply. The Blue Jays know they will have a lot of work to do in order to bolster their pitching.
One way that can happen is by pursuing Michael King, as Mark Feinsand believes he could be a potential fit for the Blue Jays.
“King has quietly emerged as one of the game’s top starters since making the move from the bullpen, posting a 3.10 ERA in his two seasons in the Padres’ rotation,” Feinsand wrote for MLB.com. “The right-hander was limited to 15 starts this season due to a nerve impingement near his shoulder and a knee injury, but King — who is expected to decline his $15 million mutual option to become a free agent — should still be one of the most sought-after arms during the offseason. Potential fits: Blue Jays, Padres, Yankees.”
King’s injury at the end of the season would make it easy for the Padres to decline his mutual option. That’s not to say they wouldn’t be interested in bringing him back, but it would open the door for other teams like the Blue Jays to swoop in and pursue him.
Spotrac is predicting King to sign a four-year deal worth $91.9 million which is an average of $23 million per year. Even after pitching in just 15 games this past season, he’s set to receive a big pay day at just 30 years old. King could slot in to any contender’s rotation and record 175-180 innings as a No. 2 or No. 3 starter.
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