The 30-year-old southpaw had been projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to earn $1.5 million via arbitration, so on the surface it looks like a fair deal for both sides. King delivered his strongest season as a professional in 2024, posting a stellar 2.85 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 38/14 K/BB ratio across 60 innings in a middle relief role for the Cardinals. He’ll function in a middle relief role once again in 2025.

The 29-year-old hurler made two appearances with the Cardinals this season and allowed one earned run and struck out four batters across 2 1/3 innings. Expect King to be up-and-down as the team manages its day-to-day roster.

With Sonny Gray back on the 40-man roster, King will go back to the minors and continue to get stretched out as a starter. The 29-year-old is likely to be one of the few pitchers to bounce and up-and-down from the minors to the majors this season and be used to handle left-handed hitters.

King is back with the Cardinals after St. Louis placed Riley O’Brien on the 15-day injured list with a flexor strain. King will likely be up-and-down all year with the Cards, and he’ll be asked to handle left-handed hitters and work in low-leverage roles to begin the year.