Other than re-signing Alex Bregman and getting another righty slugger, the Boston Red Sox’ main goal is to find a No. 2 ace to create a 1-2 punch with Garrett Crochet.

While the main idea is for the Sox to trade for Minnesota Twins ace Joe Ryan, they could also opt for someone in free agency. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer believes they should, with San Diego Padres ace Michael King being a top option.

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“Regardless of when the Red Sox are finished with their playoff stay, an immediate question will concern the fate of Lucas Giolito. He has a $19 million mutual option that seemed as good as declined just a few days ago, but less so now that he’s down with an elbow injury. But since surgery is not on the table, there are still decent odds that he’ll test the open market. If he does, Boston will have a hole in its rotation and a nice bit of savings with which to patch it. King would be an attractive option on two fronts, as he has electric stuff and is something of a local product. He played college ball at Boston College,” Rymer wrote.

This season, King only played in a few games due to injury. However, he still managed to put together a record of 5-3 with a 3.44 ERA, 76 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.220. In his last fully healthy season in 2024, he posted a record of 13-9, 2.95 ERA, along with 201 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.192.

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This would make for a powerful 1-2 punch with Garrett Crochet and be the level of starter they need for a No. 2. Combined with Crochet, Brayan Bello, Connelly Early, and Kyle Harrison, the Red Sox rotation could be one to be feared.

Hopefully, the Sox get on the phone with King as soon as possible, as he will have many suitors.

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