Career Timeline of Michael King (baseball): Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 15, 2025

Discover the career path of Michael King (baseball), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michael King is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the San Diego Padres in MLB. He previously played for the New York Yankees, making his major league debut in 2019. He is an American player.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2012: Division I state championship

In 2012, Michael King helped Bishop Hendricken High School's baseball team win the Division I state championship during his junior year.

2013: Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year

In 2013, Michael King was named the Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year for Rhode Island after an impressive high school season as a pitcher and outfielder.

2015: Plays for Hyannis Harbor Hawks

In 2015, Michael King played collegiate summer baseball with the Hyannis Harbor Hawks of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2016: Drafted by Miami Marlins

In 2016, Michael King was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball draft and made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Marlins.

November 20, 2017: Traded to the New York Yankees

On November 20, 2017, Michael King was traded by the Marlins to the New York Yankees, along with international signing bonus money, in exchange for Caleb Smith and Garrett Cooper.

2017: Season with Greensboro

Michael King spent the 2017 season with Greensboro, achieving an 11-9 record with a 3.14 ERA in 26 games.

2018: Progresses Through Yankees Farm System

In 2018, Michael King started the season with the Tampa Tarpons and received promotions to the Trenton Thunder and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, marking progression in the Yankees farm system.

2019: MLB Debut

In 2019, Michael King made his Major League Baseball debut.

2020: First MLB Season

During the shortened 2020 season, Michael King played his first MLB season with the Yankees, recording a 7.76 ERA in 26+2⁄3 innings.

2021: Improved slider and Immaculate Inning

In 2021, Michael King improved his slider with Corey Kluber's help, and on June 4, he pitched an immaculate inning against the Boston Red Sox, the seventh in Yankees history. He finished the 2021 season with a 3.55 ERA.

April 14, 2022: First Major League Save

On April 14, 2022, Michael King earned his first major league save.

December 6, 2023: Traded to San Diego Padres

On December 6, 2023, Michael King, along with Drew Thorpe, Randy Vásquez, Jhony Brito, and Kyle Higashioka, was traded to the San Diego Padres in exchange for Juan Soto and Trent Grisham.

2023: Transition to Starting Pitcher

In 2023, Michael King transitioned from a reliever to a starting pitcher for the Yankees due to injuries, finishing the season with a 2.75 ERA in 49 appearances.