When a blockbuster trade shakes up the baseball world, the ripple effects often take months or even years to fully play out. The New York Yankees made one such bold move a couple of offseasons ago. And that sent away a talented young arm in return for a superstar outfielder. The decision felt justified at that time. A win-now move that added star power to the lineup.

But now, that superstar shines in a different uniform across town. So, whispers are growing louder in the Bronx: Was there more value left behind than originally thought?

That arm, of course, belongs to Michael King. Once a versatile piece in the Yankees’ bullpen, King has since blossomed into a frontline starter for the San Diego Padres. The hope in New York was that, if circumstances aligned, a reunion might be possible. But reality? San Diego, now fully aware of what they have, seems determined not to let him go.

For the Yankees, this isn’t just about baseball anymore, it’s about whether they can afford to chase what they once had. Michael King wasn’t moved in a vacuum. He was part of the high-profile trade that sent Juan Soto to the Bronx, a deal that cost the Yankees a haul of talent, including several promising arms like Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez, and Kyle Higashioka.

At the time, acquiring Soto was seen as a no-brainer; his superstar status and offensive firepower made him the centerpiece of a championship. But now, with Soto wearing a Mets uniform after just one season in pinstripes, the Yankees are left fighting with what they gave up, and what little they ultimately got in return.

Sources close to the situation reveal that the Padres “are hopeful of re-signing one of their star free-agent starters” and are likely to prioritize King over others. Jon Heyman of the New York Post notes, “One scout says he sees similarities to Greg Maddux in his pitching style,” a comparison that speaks volumes about how far King has come.

Though the 29-year-old right-hander has said he’s open to discussions with all 30 teams, including the Yankees, his dominant 2025 performance and escalating market value suggest the bidding will be fierce.

Now, it’s decision time in the Bronx. Do the Yankees pay up to reclaim what might be the one that got away, or pivot to Plan B before the market moves without them? Either way, Michael King’s story is not the one that the Yankees can escape.

What alternatives are on the table for the Yankees?

If the Yankees can’t reel Michael King back in, they’ll need a strong contingency plan. And that needs to be fast.

Missing out on a homegrown ace stings, but standing still could be even worse. The good news? There’s no shortage of potential arms.

Jesús Luzardo and Garrett Crochet have already been marked as possible trade targets. Both come with high upside and multiple years of control. This would align with the Yankees’ long-term goals. Luzardo’s electric stuff and Crochet’s breakout campaign with the White Sox make them attractive. But they’ll cost a premium in prospects.

Free agency, too, offers intriguing paths. If the front office shifts its gaze toward the offseason, expect them to monitor frontline starters like Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, and even Shane Bieber. Each brings ace-level pedigree, though injuries and consistency will be key variables.

There’s also the trade deadline wildcard factor. There, someone like Tyler Glasnow or Zack Thompson could shake loose depending on how the standings develop.

So, the Yankees may have lost control over the King situation, but they still hold cards to play. The question now is whether they’ll move boldly or watch another opportunity slip away.