Padres Stun Baseball World? The Truth Behind the Michael King Trade Rumor
On June 2, 2025, a sensational headline began circulating: “Padres Stun Baseball World: Superstar Michael King Shipped to Twins After Explosive $71 Million Contract Dispute.” The story spread rapidly on social media and fan forums, sparking confusion and outrage. But is there any truth to this bombshell report? As of now, all credible sources indicate the answer is a firm no.
Michael King, a breakout star in 2024 and a key piece of the San Diego Padres rotation, has not been traded to the Minnesota Twins or any other team. King, who was acquired by the Padres from the Yankees in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade in late 2023, quickly became a standout pitcher. In 2024, he delivered a stellar performance, posting a 2.95 ERA over 173.2 innings with 201 strikeouts. His transformation from bullpen arm to frontline starter elevated his market value significantly.
In February 2025, the Padres and King avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $7.75 million, with a $15 million mutual option for 2026. While it’s true that analysts have projected King’s free-agent value at around four years and $71 million—figures that could lead to tough negotiations in the future—there has been no reported dispute, let alone one dramatic enough to trigger a trade.
The Padres have made no public comments indicating discontent with King, nor has King expressed dissatisfaction with the organization. In fact, recent reports from Sports Illustrated and MLB.com make clear that the Padres are intent on retaining him as a key member of their rotation. These same reports suggest that if the Padres do look to shed salary or restructure the pitching staff, Dylan Cease—another high-profile starter—is more likely to be moved than King.
So where did the rumor originate? It appears to have stemmed from speculative or fabricated content designed to go viral, playing on fan anxieties around team finances and King’s growing profile. The Padres have been aggressive in managing payroll under new financial constraints following recent big-ticket signings and trades. That climate has fueled speculation, but it does not confirm any trade activity.
For now, Padres fans can breathe easy. Michael King is still in San Diego, and the team is relying on him heavily as they fight for playoff positioning in a competitive National League West. With a proven track record and continued development as a starter, he remains a cornerstone of the Padres’ future—at least through 2025.
Unless a reputable outlet reports otherwise, the headline claiming a trade to the Twins is entirely unfounded. Fans should remain cautious when reacting to unverified “breaking news,” particularly during a season when emotions and rumors can run high. For now, the only thing Michael King is pitching is excellence—for the San Diego Padres.
