Yankees have opportunity to fully end Juan Soto trade debate with latest Padres rumor

Perhaps it's not possible, but anything's worth a try at this point. The New York Yankees have gone completely silent after their December action, but roster needs remain with pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training in a couple weeks.

Conversely, the San Diego Padres are in shambles with a power struggle at the ownership level, which has apparently forced them to consider selling off some of their best assets. We've talked a lot about Dylan Cease and Luis Arráez, but a new name just entered the mix.

How about the Yankees trade back for Michael King?! The centerpiece of last year's Juan Soto deal is reportedly being dangled in trade talks, per MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, as the Pads look to shed payroll, and King's ~$8 million salary is now a candidate.

The Yankees definitely have a greater need on the position player side of things, but King returning would be massive in lengthening the rotation and effectively replacing Marcus Stroman once he eventually departs via trade.

This would be a short-term acquisition, too, as King will hit free agency after the 2025 campaign, and it'd help maintain payroll flexibility for the Yankees. He could also become a reasonable extension candidate given his age (entering his age-30 season) and lack of a lengthy track record as a starter. Maybe a four-year, $60 million deal? OK, we're getting ahead of ourselves. How about just talking about the trade first?

Yankees Rumors: Padres considering trading Michael King

Don't forget, the Yankees highly coveted King last year. In fact, at one point in the Soto negotiations, it was believed that Brian Cashman's refusal to include him in the deal was what held everything up. It could've been an act, but it's no secret the Yankees value pitchers that they develop into contributing big leaguers.

Again, the cost is largely unclear given all the extenuating factors, but King dominated in his first full season as a starter, logging a 2.95 ERA, 3.33 FIP and 1.19 WHIP with 201 strikeouts across 31 games (30 starts). He threw a career-high 173 2/3 innings and finished seventh in the Cy Young voting.

Fans can certainly understand Cease having a premium price attached to him given his four straight seasons of 32 or more starts (and two top-five Cy Young finishes), but King? This really shouldn't be anything prohibitive from the Yankees' perspective if they're serious about upgrading their pitching with a familiar face.

Crazier ideas have been discussed. And if the Padres are in this bad of shape, the Yankees must figure out a way to capitalize, especially if Cease and Arráez are too rich for their endeavors right now. We can certainly look past King thinking the Padres got the better end of the Soto deal ... and we're sure he can look past getting traded to one of 2024's most exciting teams.