BREAKING NEWS: Michael King has sparked controversy with his comments suggesting a potential trade between the New York Yankees and the San Diego Padres involving Juan Soto.

Making headlines soon after leaving the team is a certain way for a beloved former Yankee to lose the support of the faithful. From 2022 to 2023, Michael King became a fan favorite, but he was sadly sent to San Diego so that the Yankees could sign superstar Juan Soto.

It was an evil that was required to happen. As terrific as King is, New York needed an all-around lefty bat, and King was becoming more and more of a fungible asset. Although he was a fantastic bullpen component, his worrying elbow injury sustained in July 2022 has worried fans ever since.

Furthermore, the Yankees transitioned him to a starting role towards the end of 2023, seemingly as a final attempt to enhance his trade value. Despite initial struggles as a starter, King made nine starts in the late stages of an unsuccessful season, recording a 2.23 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and striking out 51 batters in 40.1 innings. This performance likely heightened interest from the Padres and other teams, as cost-controlled starters are more valuable than bullpen assets.

Ultimately, the Yankees didn’t require King for significant contributions in a season that mattered, making it easier for them to part ways with him in a trade that minimized risk and fulfilled their specific needs.

However, King holds a different perspective, believing that the Padres emerged as winners in the Juan Soto deal. This viewpoint is likely to provoke disagreement among Yankees fans.

As reported by the New York Post, King said this:

“I continue to praise [Padres general manager] A.J. Preller and be confident in saying I feel like the Padres won the trade. I feel like the talent we’ve gotten, I was shocked to see the Yankees part with that many people. Obviously, it’s Juan Soto, so you have to give up a big package, but I was pumped to see who was coming with me to San Diego. I know they’re gonna contribute this year and for years to come.”

– Michael King via NY Post

Hey, he’s on a new team. He needs to feel good about his situation. And he’s confident in himself and his teammates that made the cross-country trek with him. With the exception of Kyle Higashioka, everyone else in the trade package that the Padres received showed promise in 2023. King is bullish on this group. He’s not wrong about Preller’s ability to scout talent, either.