10 months agoRight-hander Michael King, who had made just 10 big-league starts over four seasons with the New York Yankees heading into 2023, began last year in the bullpen before eventually being moved to a starting role. Nine of his 49 appearances came in a starting role, which allowed King to reach a career-high 104 2/3 innings pitched. All nine of his starts came in the second half in the Bronx. Regardless of his role, the 28-year-old was effective with a 2.75 ERA -- his second straight season with an ERA under 3.00 -- a 1.15 WHIP, a career-high six saves , 32 walks and a career-high 127 strikeouts. King features a four-pitch mix that includes a fastball, sinker, sweeper and a changeup that was particularly effective against left-handed hitters. He comes to San Diego as the headliner for the Padres in the blockbuster deal that sent Juan Soto to the Yanks. As long as King stays healthy after a career-high workload in 2023, he should be cemented in the Padres' starting rotation to help them replace National League Cy Young winner Blake Snell. King's strikeout upside and upgrade in home ballpark will make him attractive as fantasy managers look to fill out their rotations in the later rounds of drafts. ATC has him projected for a 3.60 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and what would be a new career-high in strikeouts with 140 in 129 innings pitched. RotoBaller has King ranked as the No. 39 fantasy starting pitcher heading into his first year in San Diego.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller