Michael King would be a statement free agent signing for the Washington Nationals

Sam Sallick of Federal Baseball argues that the Washington Nationals should pursue free agent starting pitcher Michael King to signal their competitive intent. King, who is expected to opt out of the final two years and $58 million of his contract, played collegiately with Nationals manager Blake Butera at Boston College.

Sallick suggests that signing King to a projected four- or five-year free agent deal worth $28 million to $30 million annually would significantly upgrade Washington's starting rotation. Despite noting some concerning underlying peripheral statistics, Sallick highlights King's postseason success and multi-pitch repertoire as key reasons the Lerner family should commit financial resources.