The Boston Red Sox strengthened their rotation for the 2026 season by signing Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo this offseason. According to the latest reports, the Red Sox are expected to make another addition to the starting rotation.While the AL East franchise has been linked with high-profile hitters like Pete Alonso, Kyle Tucker and Kyle Schwarber this offseason, Boston has reportedly identified veteran starting pitcher Michael King as one of their potential targets.However, the Red Sox are not alone in their pursuit of King, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman. He reported that the Mets and Detroit Tigers are also pursuing the starting pitcher."The Mets have interest in Michael King, but so do Detroit and Boston, among others," Sherman wrote.Fans were divided on the Red Sox being linked with the former Padres pitcher."He is better than Cease. Will be a good add to whoever signs him."Rick Winet @rick_winet3LINKHe is better than Cease Will be a good add to whoever signs him"I know spending big on a reliever can be questionable. But I’d splash the cash for Edwin Diaz. He’s just a dog. Absolute stud. Your bullpen immediately becomes one of, if not the very best in baseball.""If we get King would he be considered a true number 2? I say yes. Hometown kid too."Cozy @Yo__CozyLINKIf we get king would he be considered a true number 2? I say yes . Hometown kid too"Ah yes our savior Michael king, this would be an absolute stinker of an offseason if Sonney Gray and Michael King is Breslows idea of fixing our pitching."Ena Arhidi @Ena_ArhidiLINKAh yes our savior Michael king, this would be an absolute stinker of an offseason if Sonney Gray and Michael King is Breslows idea of fixing our pitching"They should go bonkers, just as a prank."JR @jtreg91LINKThey should go bonkers, just as a prank.King, who was traded to the San Diego Padres as part of the Juan Soto deal in December 2023, had a strong 2025 season, despite being plagued by injuries. King was restricted to just 15 starts due to a shoulder and knee issue last season, but displayed his credentials after pitching a complete-game shutout against the Colorado Rockies in April.Red Sox open to adding more players this offseason per Craig BreslowMichael King was a crucial bullpen piece for the New York Yankees, but he has transitioned to the starting rotation since his trade to the Padres. His first full season as a starter in 2024 saw King finish with a 13-9 record in 30 starts with a 2.95 ERA.While the Red Sox have already added two starting pitchers this offseason, Boston's chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, is not ruling out any signings that would improve the team for next season."Our priorities remain improving our 2026 roster. We have to be open-minded about the ways we can do that, and practical in the sense that we have some position player needs that we’ll want to focus on," Breslow said.The Red Sox could also pivot to Framber Valdez, another top arm in free agency this offseason. However, King is expected to command a cheaper contract than the former Houston Astros ace.