Braves targeting pitcher Michael King from Padres trade

The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for a competitive 2025 season in Major League Baseball. They will face strong opponents in the National League East, including the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. Competing with powerful teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers adds to the challenge. To strengthen their position, the Braves are looking to improve their starting rotation. Currently, they have four solid pitchers: Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach. However, they still need a fifth starting pitcher. Rumors suggest that the Braves may trade for Michael King, a star pitcher from the San Diego Padres. If the Padres fall out of contention this season, King could become a key target. Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos is known for being cautious with spending but may need to act after recent trades and losses. King had a successful previous season, achieving a 2.95 ERA over nearly 174 innings, which makes him an attractive option. Although he might only be a temporary addition, the Braves could look to extend his contract, projected at four years for around $71 million. Bringing King to Atlanta may not guarantee a World Series win, but it would certainly make them stronger contenders in the league.