2.95 ERA. 30 common season begins. Over 200 strikeouts. 7 shutout innings in a postseason recreation. That’s simply a few of what Michael King completed in his first season with the Padres.
That can also be somebody the Padres wish to lengthen earlier than he hits free company in lower than a yr. So does it make sense to go shred him aside over lower than a $1.5 million? You realize the reply. (The Padres proposed $7.325 million whereas King proposed $8.8 million, in keeping with Kevin Acee. Them going to an “arbitration listening to in February is all however inevitable”.)
Nonetheless, if the 2 sides can’t settle the Padres do have a case and hopefully will go about this within the classiest and most respectful manner attainable.
Followers can hope A.J. Preller has already spoken to King about eager to deal with him long-term however clearly there’s an possession scenario happening and cash appears to be fairly tight in the mean time. Would Preller, who hasn’t gone to arbitration ever because the Padres GM, actually wish to go to a listening to now over a fairly small sum of money (within the skilled baseball world)? After all not. It’s occurring due to what he’s being instructed from above.
King made $3.15 million final season so San Diego is already proposing to greater than double his wage. That ought to present the three impartial arbitrators they’re not attempting to tear him off. And whereas what he did final season was spectacular, he isn’t like different starters previously—similar to Gerrit Cole—who had years of historical past to point out they’re capable of go do it once more the next season (not saying King can’t, simply stating the info).
Cole had his wage precisely doubled from 2018 ($6.75 million) to 2019 ($13.5 million) going into his stroll yr with the Astros. And bear in mind, they’re not simply providing to double it. They’re greater than doubling it.
Certain, Cole’s cash was greater than what King goes to get however the Padres may use these forms of examples to assist their case.
King’s teammate, Dylan Stop, didn’t have his wage doubled for this coming season and he has an extended monitor document of being a starter within the massive leagues. His wage elevated from $8 million to lower than $14 million in his stroll yr. Once more, the Padres’ provide isn’t a disrespectful one.
Maybe if Roki Sasaki involves city, San Diego can be extra keen to settle. If not, let’s simply hope it doesn’t get ugly.
