The San Diego Padres are facing a critical juncture in their 2026 season as the August 3 trade deadline approaches.
Sitting 1.5 games behind the final National League wild-card spot, the team's direction remains uncertain.
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Right-handed pitcher Michael King has emerged as a potential trade candidate.
Since joining the Padres in 2024, King has been a reliable starter, providing innings despite injuries to key pitchers Nick Pivetta, Joe Musgrove, and Lucas Giolito.
Manager Craig Stammen praised King's competitiveness.
"Very competitive person, it's a talent to be able to do that -- to not have your best stuff and give your team a chance to win," Stammen said.
He noted King's recent 1.96 ERA over his last four starts.
King reflected on his growth.
"I felt like in '24, it was a good learning experience for me to be like, 'Alright, you're in some bad situations and you need to help the team out by getting out of it,'" he said.
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MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported that rival executives expect the Padres to keep closer Mason Miller but could trade King.
President of baseball operations AJ Preller's approach may be tempered by pending ownership change, with José Feliciano and Kwanza Jones set to purchase the team.
King is under a $17 million contract for 2026, with player options for 2027 and 2028.
He has a 3.24 ERA across 21 starts and 119.1 innings this season, making him attractive to teams seeking pitching depth.
Stammen emphasized the uncertainty of injured pitchers' returns.
"We've definitely taken them on a road that would get them ready for the end of the season and tried to be very strategic and put their health as the No. 1 priority," he said.
The Padres have upcoming games against the Colorado Rockies and San Francisco Giants.
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The trade deadline will be a turning point, with King's status central to their playoff push.
