A prominent MLB insider believes the New York Yankees are going to beat out their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, for a major free agent pitcher still on the market.
The Mets and Yankees had very different results in 2025. While both clubs entered the season as serious World Series contenders and were two of MLB’s top teams during the first half, the club from Queens shockingly collapsed in September and missed the playoffs. The Yanks, on the other hand, got to the playoffs. But they were ousted in the divisional round by the Toronto Blue Jays.
After seasons that fell well short of expectations, both NYC clubs have been active this offseason as they look to improve their rosters. Oddly enough, they are both in the market for an impact veteran starting pitcher. Furthermore, recent reports have claimed the pair of teams is pursuing Michael King in free agency.
So, who will win the chase for the Rochester, NY native? Well, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, he expects King to reunite with the team he previously played for, the Yankees. The veteran MLB insider and former general manager also explained why the Pinstripes could get back a player who can be a “Cy Young contender” in 2026.
- Michael King stats: 5-3 record, 3.44 ERA, 1.200 WHIP, 76 SO, 26 BB, 73.1 IP
Michael King, the Cy Young Contender?
“King is the most undervalued pitcher on the market, and I predict he will provide the best bang for the buck among this year’s free-agent starters,” Bowden wrote. “He has great makeup, nasty stuff, and really knows how to pitch. If he can stay healthy, he has the talent to be a Cy Young contender.
“However, he’s coming off of an injury-plagued season, which may lead to him taking a shorter deal with a higher AAV and opt-outs on both sides.”
Pitchers like Framber Valdez and Tatsuya Imai reportedly are pursuing contracts that are five years or longer. A recent rumor suggested King could make a decision very soon, with more teams making a strong push for his services because of a willingness to take the short-term deal Bowden alluded to.
