In the last week, the impression was that the Chicago Cubs moved to the background of the sweepstakes for free-agent starting pitcher Michael King, who was generating strong interest from the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets. The indication was that King's bidding exceeded the Cubs' interest level, and that was confirmed by his three-year deal with the San Diego Padres.
Yes, King is returning to San Diego, which does come as some surprise, considering many insiders initially ruled out a reunion. King will get paid $75M over the next three years, but his contract also includes opt-outs after the first and second years of the deal.