Fansided · Dec 21, 2025
Padres nearly pulled off another pitching move before landing Michael King
Miami Marlins v Texas Rangers | Sam Hodde/GettyImagesA.J. Preller might tell you the Padres feel good about the top of the rotation now, but the paper trail says he may not be done shopping. Before Michael King was back in the mix, San Diego took a real run at another established starter — and the fact that it was an NL West arm makes it even more telling.
The Athletic's Dennis Lin stated that the Padres had made a "competitive" bid on right-handed pitcher Merrill Kelly prior to getting King. Kelly ended up returning to Arizona after signing a two year, $40 million dollar contract with the Diamondbacks.
Padres’ Merrill Kelly pursuit proves A.J. Preller stayed aggressive on pitching