The Kansas City Royals are being connected to a notable pitcher who could hit the free agent market this offseason. In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Kerry Miller predicted that the Royals will end up signing San Diego Padres pitcher Michael King to a four-year, $104 million contract this offseason if he opts out of his current deal. "Put King in that Royals rotation alongside Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha and perhaps they could go from worst to first in the AL Central. Prediction: 4 years, $104M with the Kansas City Royals," Miller wrote. This is after he had a 5-3 record and a 3.44 ERA in 15 appearances for the Padres during the 2025 season.