King's Rebound:: Starting pitcher Michael King aims to bounce back after allowing 3 runs in just 2.1 innings on Opening Day (10.13 ERA). He reportedly worked with pitching coach Ruben Niebla to correct torso positioning issues.
Iglesias Starts:: Veteran infielder Jose Iglesias gets his first start at second base, giving Jake Cronenworth a day off against Guardians' left-handed pitcher Logan Allen.
Lineup Adjustments:: Right-handed hitters Brandon Lockridge and Yuli Gurriel return to the lineup against the lefty starter.
Padres' Hot Start:: The team achieved its first-ever 5-0 start to a season.
King's Future:: Despite the Padres reportedly shutting down trade inquiries for King in 2025, speculation about his upcoming free agency is mounting, with one prediction suggesting a 5-year, $182 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles next offseason.
Why this matters:: King's performance is crucial for the Padres' rotation stability, while Iglesias adds valuable veteran depth. The ongoing speculation about King's future contract highlights his perceived market value after a strong 2024 season (2.95 ERA, 201 K).
Michael King is determined to put his rough Opening Day outing behind him as he takes the mound against the Cleveland Guardians tonight (April 1, 2025). Allowing four hits and four walks over just 2.1 innings wasn't the start the 29-year-old right-hander envisioned. However, after identifying and working on mechanical adjustments related to his torso positioning with pitching coach Ruben Niebla, King expressed confidence in finding better control. His career numbers against Cleveland are strong (0.51 ERA in 17.1 IP), offering a positive backdrop for his rebound attempt.
Facing their first left-handed starter since Opening Day, the Padres adjusted their lineup. Brandon Lockridge (LF) and Yuli Gurriel (DH) return, providing right-handed bats against Logan Allen. Perhaps most notably, 35-year-old Jose Iglesias makes his first start at second base. Iglesias emphasized the importance of veteran depth and experience, stating, "It’s important to have depth. It’s important to have experience... If you want to win, you must have those guys inside (the clubhouse)." His inclusion highlights the team's strategy of utilizing its versatile bench.
While King focuses on his next pitch, the baseball world is already discussing his future. Set to be a free agent after the 2025 season (assuming a $15M mutual option for 2026 isn't picked up), King's strong 2024 performance (2.95 ERA, 13-9 record, 201 strikeouts) has positioned him as a potentially high-value target. MLB insider Jim Bowden recently predicted King could sign a significant 5-year, $182 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles next offseason. While the Padres reportedly aren't trading him this season, this prediction underscores the financial decisions looming for both King and the Padres.
Why is Michael King trying to rebound?
King had a poor performance on Opening Day 2025, lasting only 2.1 innings and allowing 3 runs, 4 hits, and 4 walks.
Who is Jose Iglesias replacing in the lineup?
Iglesias is starting at second base, giving Jake Cronenworth his first day off.
What is the significance of the Padres' 5-0 start?
It marks the first time in franchise history that the Padres have started a season with five consecutive wins.
What is the contract prediction for Michael King?
An MLB insider predicted King might sign a 5-year, $182 million free-agent contract with the Baltimore Orioles after the 2025 season.
Michael King's ability to adjust after a poor start is key for the Padres' pitching staff success.
The Padres are actively using their bench depth, with veterans like Jose Iglesias playing important roles.
Despite a great start to the season, significant player contract decisions (like King's potential free agency) are on the horizon for the Padres.
Michael King had a strong 2024 but a rough start to 2025. Do you think he'll bounce back and live up to the big contract predictions? Let us know!
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San Diego Union-Tribune: Padres pregame: Michael King looking to rebound, Jose Iglesias gets first start
Birds Watcher (The Athletic): The Athletic's latest contract predictions are way off base for the Orioles
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