Marlins sign left-handed relief pitcher John King

John King (YouTube)

The Miami Marlins have signed relief pitcher John King of Laredo, Texas to a one-year deal worth $1.5 million according to Rogers Sportsnet. King is joining his third Major League Baseball franchise. He previously spent four seasons with the Texas Rangers from 2020 to 2023, and the last three seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals.

King pitched in 51 games last season and had a record of two wins and one loss with an earned run average of 4.66. During 48 1/3 innings pitched, he gave up 65 hits, 25 earned runs, eight home runs and 14 walks, to go along with 28 strikeouts, three holds and a WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched) of 1.63.

King’s first win of the 2025 season came on May 25 in a 4-3 Cardinals win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. King pitched a very effective seventh inning of which he threw 10 pitches and had nine strikes. He faced only three batters and had two fly outs and one ground out.

King’s second win of the 2025 season came on May 28 in a 6-4 Cardinals win over the Baltimore Orioles. King pitched an effective sixth inning where he struck out two batters.

In analyzing King’s statistics, there is no doubt that the most glaring concern is his high WHIP. Giving up hits has been a concern for King in his career. During 253 1/3 innings pitched, he has given up 283 hits.

The signing of King by the Marlins comes at a time when the Miami franchise has been under scrutiny for their low pay roll. It is currently at $77 million. That is $324 million less than the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.