San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King takes the mound against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park on Tuesday night in what could be his final start for the franchise ahead of Monday's Major League Baseball trade deadline.
The Padres' front office is considering whether to become sellers as the deadline approaches.
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Despite holding a 22.6 percent chance of making the postseason according to projection models, San Diego sits 1.5 games out of the final National League wild card spot.
King, 31, signed a three-year, $75 million contract as a free agent last offseason after being acquired from the New York Yankees in December 2023.
His contract includes an opt-out clause following the 2026 season, which could incentivize San Diego to move him if starting pitching demand remains high.
The right-hander holds a 6-7 record with a 3.24 ERA and 1.17 WHIP this season.
Through four July starts, King has posted a 1.96 ERA despite a 1-0 record, hampered by receiving a league-low 3.00 runs of support per nine innings among qualified major league starters.
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San Diego general manager A. J.
Preller previously depleted the organization's farm system through high-profile acquisitions, including closer Mason Miller from the Athletics last year.
Reports indicate the team intends to retain Miller while exploring trades for King and other veterans.
The visiting Rockies enter the series with 34-year-old starter Michael Lorenzen, who holds a 3-9 record with a 6.53 ERA and a .
327 opponent batting average.
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Colorado is expected to act as sellers before the deadline, though All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman is reportedly off limits despite trade interest from the Yankees.
