Major League Baseball Trade Rumors (MLBTR) is gearing up to release its inaugural Power Rankings for the upcoming free agent class within the next few days. Among the most challenging tasks in this process is the ranking of starting pitchers, a category that often presents tricky decisions for analysts. This year, the debate centers around two pitchers in particular: Zac Gallen and Michael King, whose performances have ignited discussions among fans and experts alike.

Zac Gallen, who has been a staple in the major leagues, boasts a significant and impressive track record as an above-average starting pitcher. Throughout his career, Gallen has made all 146 of his major league appearances as a starter. His consistency is noteworthy; he has maintained a 4.30 earned run average (ERA) or better in every season over the past six years, with the exception of the current season, where he has recorded a 5.28 ERA over three starts. This high level of performance is highlighted by the fact that Gallen has only once allowed four earned runs per nine innings throughout an entire season.

In addition to his ERA, Gallen has consistently demonstrated his ability to dominate opposing hitters, achieving a strikeout rate of at least 25% in each of his seasons. Over the course of more than 800 innings pitched, his career ERA stands at an impressive 3.33, complemented by a nearly 27% strikeout rate, showcasing his effectiveness as a starting pitcher.

On the other hand, Michael King has primarily navigated his major league career as a relief pitcher, which adds an intriguing layer to their comparison. For most of his first four seasons with the New York Yankees, King was utilized in a long relief role. It wasnt until the latter part of the 2023 season that he transitioned into a starting position, largely due to injuries affecting the Yankees' rotation. In this new role, King excelled, making nine starts that showcased his potential as a reliable option in the rotation.

Over the course of 173 and two-thirds innings, King posted an impressive 2.95 ERA while striking out an extraordinary 27.7% of hitters he faced. His performance remained strong throughout the season, particularly after the All-Star break, during which he recorded an exceptional 2.15 ERA across 62 and two-thirds innings. His remarkable resurgence as a starter culminated in him finishing seventh in the National League Cy Young Award voting, a recognition of the impact he made in the final stretch of the season.

The juxtaposition of Gallens proven consistency against Kings rapid ascension raises fascinating questions about their future in the upcoming free agent market. As MLBTR prepares to finalize its Power Rankings, many fans are eager to see how these two pitchers will be evaluated and where they might land in the rankings.